Ladies 3rds overcome Monkstown in dramatic cup tie

The Ladies 3rds met Monkstown 1sts in the Quarter Final of the Cup on 25th January 2014, following earlier Cup wins over Weston and Rathgar.

Pembroke played a fast paced game with Lou Tolerton and Kerry Johnson controlling the game from the back and maintaining pressure on the Monkstown defence throughout the first half. Despite this, it was Monkstown who netted the first goal against the run of play.

Pembroke managed to win two penalty corners and after a great move down the right they penetrated the circle with quality a baseline run from Catriona Byrne who beat the keeper with a text book pull back to find a team mate who’s shot was saved by a body on the line. Penalty stroke to Pembroke, Elaine Thompson stepped up to take it; she fired the flick high left only for the Monkstown keeper to make a great save. Half-time 1-0.

The second half was a bit of a mixed bag. Pembroke attempted to maintain the fast pace but tiredness, nerves and frustrations did their best to disrupt it. Monkstown kept pushing to seal the victory and very nearly did. They had a penalty stroke shout that fell on deaf ears although it looked to be going wide. The forwards continued to battle against the defence and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty corner. Lou Tolerton positioned herself perfectly to deflect the ball into the net but due to a technicality the goal was not allowed.

The pressure on the Pembroke defence heightened as Monkstown pushed themselves to increase their goal tally but the 3rds die hard attitude prevailed, five minutes from time Ciara Devane tore a hamstring but pumped with adrenalin she played on, then just in the nick of time after another fast move down the left flank, Viv Fenton combined with Aisling Sherriff to find Elaine who secured a penalty corner with just 1 min 20 sec left on the clock. Up stepped Elaine Thompson(Villian turned Hero) who’s powerful drag flick smashed the backboard in emphatic fashion scoring right in the corner, sending the Pembroke girls delirious. Extra time was uneventful with neither side being able to secure the coveted silver goal and as the clock counted down, the penalty strokes loomed.

Penalty strokes

Having won the toss, Pembroke chose to go first.
Monkstown’s second stroke was saved by a fabulous Lisa O’Rourke dive. Their third went wide.

Ciara Devane, Sorcha Ryan, Elaine Thompson, Susan Prendiville & Jen Tutty stepped up on behalf of the team and did us proud.

Final score after extra time 1-1. Penalty strokes 4-2 win to Pembroke Wanderers.

The girls will face Genesis 2nds, away in the Semi Finals.