Firsts Lose Narrowly To League Leaders
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Tullamore 5. Monkstown 6.
TULLAMORE 1sts hockey team travelled to Monkstown in South Dublin on Saturday last in the most highly anticipated game of the season. Tullamore lost out on a Leinster title to Monkstown last season, when they finished a close second to them in the Leinster League.
Monkstown continue to be unbeaten in two seasons so Tullamore who are currently placed 3rd in the Leinster League, had a tough assignment on their hands.
As the whistle blew for the start of the first half Tullamore put nerves to one side and played with a determination that had not been seen all season. This determination paid off as Tullamore opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game. Sabrina Carroll picked up the ball in mid-field, went on a darting solo run up the right wing and sent in a fine pass to Amanda Haslam in the circle. Amanda took a spectacular reverse side shot into the top of the Monkstown net. From here Tullamore knew they could not let their guard down and pressed for a second goal and it wasn't long before it came. Again Sabrina Carroll intercepted the ball, soloed and slipped a pass to Niamh Redmond who was waiting on the end line. Niamh crossed the ball into the circle and it was Una Condron who got on the end of a rebound shot and pushed the ball past the Monkstown keeper.
Tullamore secured their 3rd goal within minutes of this after some hard work by Grace Brennan and the solid sweeper Emma Delahunt in defence. Emma sent a long shot up field and it was Niamh Redmond who got on the end of this, kept her nerve and calmly slotted the ball into the net. At this stage Tullamore were a well-deserved three goals up and were sailing through the game. As some key Monkstown players were not performing or rather were not allowed to perform, Monkstown made a number of tactical substitutions and as a result of this gained two penalty corners which they converted. Monkstown pressed for the equaliser and the midlanders have goalkeeper Clodagh Armitage to thank for keeping them ahead at half time. In defence Deirdre Rigney and Kate Cosgrove also did well.
At the break Tullamore coach Peter Kings gave words of encouragement and spurred on Tullamore to keep their lead.
In the second half Tullamore were again first to open the scoring with a goal from Amanda Haslam. However Tullamore let the concentration slip and allowed Monstown secure another series of penalty corners which were again converted. Tullamore were only ahead by one goal at this stage and started to defend desperately. Emma Delahunt, Deirdre Rigney, Sabrina Carroll and Grace Brennan made a number of important interceptions, but Monkstown still managed to break through for the equaliser. This was turning into an enthralling game of hockey and the spectators were treated to a very entertaining game.
It was Tullamore who got the next goal after they were on the receiving end a short corner. Amanda Haslam pushed the ball to Sabrina Carroll who was waiting at the top of the circle Sabrina sent a powerful shot towards the goal which rebounded off the keeper's pads and it was Niamh Remdond who was on hand to take the rebound into the net. Kate O' Brien and Melissa Eades continued to work hard but just as it seemed that Tullamore were going to hold out for victory, Monkstown like true champions unbelievably bounced back yet again and got a scrappy equaliser from play and a winner from a penalty short corner. Needless to say Tullamore 1sts were extremely disappointed as they gained no valuable points from this game.
Tullamore 1sts Team: Clodagh Armitage, Deirdre Rigney, Grace Brennan, Emma Delahunt, Kate Cosgrove, Sabrina Carroll, Kate O' Brien, Melissa Eades, Jenny Scanlon, Amanda Haslam, Sarah Keegan. Subs used Niamh Redmond, Una Condron, Jane Wyer.
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