Thirds winning streak finally comes to an end whilst Fifths earn tame draw

It was Annadale who took an early lead after some slack defending from Lisnagarvey, exactly the start the Hillsborough side did not want. Garvey did get a bit of a wake up call when this goal went in however, and minutes later the ball bounced to Richard McConkey in the circle who struck home to make things level at 1-1.

A few good saves from Neil Brazil kept the scores at 1-1 and eventually Garvey won their first short corner of the game. Captain Seb Buser converted successfully with a drag flick to put the Thirds 2-1 up at half time, against all expectations.

Annadale turned the screw in the second half and came out all guns blazing. Within ten minutes of the second half Annadale found themselves 4-2 ahead and sailing.

Garvey continued to try to fight back into the game and had multiple chances on the break with Ian Harbinson looking dangerous. Unfortunately for Garvey their legs started to go after the great effort they had put into the game so far. Annadale converted two more goals to gain a 6-2 lead. Davy Patton grabbed a consolation prize at the end for Garvey with a tidy finish at the back post, final score Garvey 3-6 Annadale.

Garvey Fifths 3

Annadale Fourths 3

Garvey Fifths entertained Annadale Fourths this past Saturday at Comber Road.

Garvey had played some of their best hockey of the season the week before but started very poorly against Annadale. Constant turnovers and poor basics led to Annadale taking the lead.

Matters got worse for Garvey when the ball was again turned over cheaply and Annadale repeated the punishment by converting the mistake into a 2-0 half time lead.

Garvey got a foothold back into the game when Grant Hayes converted from a switched short corner with a firm slap hit. This halved the deficit and the game was level shortly afterwards when Mark Murray converted after some good work by Hayes to leave the game at 2-2.

Garvey then took the lead for the first time through Andy Watt with a short range “poachers” goal to leave Garvey with a 3-2 advantage. This was not to last as Annadale converted to level at 3-3.