Healy goal secures first league win for Greenfields HC

Lurgan 0

Greenfields 1

Greenfields Hockey club recorded their first points in the Electric Ireland Irish Hockey League last Saturday with a hard fought away victory over Lurgan Hockey Club.

Lurgan, who boast a number of players who won the All- Ireland School’s last year, started the brighter of the two sides with a fearless opening few minutes which saw Greenfields struggle to gain any real possession.

However Greenfields’ experienced back line of Sarah McDonald, Catherine Moore, Clodagh Grealy and Aine Collins were unfazed and dealt with all that came their way. Sinead Collins was called upon early in the game and her diving save to her right denied Lurgan after great work from their midfield resulted in Edgar striking from the top of the circle.

The game’s only goal came from Greenfields first real attacking opportunity. Liz Tighe took a quick free to Trish Garrett, who showed great skill and determination to carry the ball into the circle, beating the defenders and drawing in the goal keeper, before laying it off for Mary Healy who was waiting at the back post, and she made no mistake from close range.

The second quarter was quite an open affair with both sides pushing hard for a goal. Lurgan were pressing up the pitch very high which was limiting Greenfields opportunities to get possession in their opponents half. Collins as always had an assured performance in goal and dealt efficiently with any shots that came her way.

Greenfields midfield of Tighe, Pam McCann and Ellie Noone worked tirelessly as did all the forwards. Deirdre McDermott used her bench well and rotated her players as the fast pace of the game continued relentlessly.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.