Glens tops in seven-goal thriller
GLENANNE men’s first team hosted Annadale HC last weekend in the EYHL in what turned out to be a thrilling seven-goal encounter with the homeside winning 4-3.
Belfast based Annadale have been on a good run of form and would provide a stern test of Glenanne’s resolve as they strive for a Championship play-off place at the end of the season.
Despite a multitude of early chances for Glens, it was the visitors that took the lead through a penalty corner goal from Pinion.
However Glenanne hit back almost immediately with a goal of the season contender.
Great two-touch interplay down the left flank found Jay Rogan on the baseline crossing for Gav Gibney.
The Annadale ‘keeper saved well to stop the open net opportunity, but the rebound fell to Rogan who continued his goalscoring form smashing the ball into the net from a tight angle. 1-1.
The pattern of play resumed with Glenanne in handball phase high up the pitch.
However, an incisive breakaway from Annadale caught Glens cold, with Matty Robson rounding Dave Lawless in the Glenanne goal to make it 2-1 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Glenanne equalised through a penalty stroke from Ireland international Shane O’Donoghue.
But Annadale got their third and Robson’s second with a penalty corner rebound, 3-2 to Annadale.
Both teams traded yellow cards and Glens were down to 10 men when Richard Couse stepped bravely to win the ball off Annadale left back and passed forward to Richie Shaw sprinting down the right.
He drew two defenders and dropped the ball behind him to Brad Venter who dived in to score – 3-3 and game on again.
Into the final quarter, Glenanne spurred on by the support in the crowd but no matter how hard they tried they weren’t able to break Annadale’s stubborn defence.
Brad Venter came close again off a PC rebound, saved on the line before the Glens pressure finally told with seven minutes to go.
O’Donoghue receiving the ball just outside the 25 drove forward.
The previously resolute Annadale defence held off and allowed O’Donoghue into the circle and he duly flicked the ball into the side backboard to give Glenanne the lead for the first time.
Thereafter Annadale took their goalkeeper off in an attempt to create a numerical overload, however two fantastic penalty corner saves off the line by Lawless and Kevin Venter ensure Glenanne walked away with all 3 points, 4-3 at the final whistle.
Next up the boys make the short trip to Wesley College to face YMCA on Saturday 4 February.
