Advantage Pembroke after thrilling EHL fightback

Pembroke Wanderers grasped a last minute victory over Ukrainian champions in the opening fixture of EHL
competition this morning in Eindoven.

Pembroke had enjoyed a dream start, taking an early 2-0 lead through Craig Wilson’s deflected short corner followed up by a sliding finish from Paddy Good after great work down the wing from Mick O’ Connor.

Click above for the official EHL match report

However with just 6 minutes remaining on the clock Pembroke were 3-2 down, having earlier let the Ukrainians back into the tie with goals either side of half time, but amazingly the lads still found time to take the win and the full 5 points. Brandon Panther was chief architect of the fight-back, from a Penalty Corner he dodged the first runner and slapped home passed the advancing Ukrainian keeper. Queue massive relief for the Pembroke supporters, who probably would have settled for a draw at that point.

But with 3 minutes to go Panther wasn’t finished yet, taking the ball cooly on his reverse he smashed in from near the edge of the D. There was no time for a response from the Ukrainians and Pembroke now take pole position in the group ahead of their tie on Sunday against dutch outfit HGC.

http://youtu.be/exdHUdNryRU
The Ukrainians on the other hand will need to pull off a major upset against the Dutch favourites tomorrow, if they fail to win Pembroke take one of the two spots up for grabs to go through to last 16 and importantly secure Ireland vital raking points for next season’s competition.

Pool F remaining fixtures All times Irish
Sat 16th Olympia Kolos Sekvoia v HGC, 13:30
Sun 17th HGC v Pembroke Wanderers 11.00

All matches can be watched LIVE online on the official EHL website or on Eurosport.