IHL: Pembroke Wanderers 0 Monkstown 0

01 May 2010 | Serpentine Avenue | 14.00
Ciaran Bolger / Simon MacAllister TO Crozier Deane Asst Graham Hohn & Dave Kenna

On a dull afternoon featuring persistent drizzle following initial heavy rain, reigning IHL champions Pembroke Wanderers faced Irish Senior Cup finalists Monkstown in this fifth round pool match. Pembroke having already qualified for the IHL semi final and Monkstown having only a mathematical chance of progressing from the pool, could have made for a low key game. This however was not the case as both teams maintained a high pace and intensity throughout. Despite all the energy expended however, the game finished in a rare scoreless draw.

Pembroke started the sharper and dominated the first quarter, creating several openings, none of which led to any clear shooting chances as Monkstown’s vigilant defence smothered everything. Monkstown were forced to attack on the break but again no shooting chances were created.

The second quarter followed suit except that Monkstown created a little more pressure around the Pembroke circle, one incident requiring a double intervention from David Harte. Pembroke’s sharpness through midfield and up front provided several opportunities but these were either not converted or dealt with by the excellent David Fitzgerald.

The third quarter saw a significant increase in Monkstown possession, leading to a number of chances, including their first short corner. Pembroke followed suit and created several chances themselves, including short corners. Again the respective defences were to the fore, with both keepers saving sharply, defenders clearing up and attackers miscuing their attempts.

The fourth quarter continued similarly, chances being created at both ends and being miscued or smothered. Monkstown did however create the two best chances, with an Andy Ewington drag being spectacularly stick saved by the excellent David Harte, before Ian Allen was found behind Pembroke’s defence for a clear run at the circle, only to be foiled by another David Harte intervention. Late Pembroke pressure led to opportunities for several players but came to naught. All in all, it was a day for the defences, particularly the two superb goalkeepers on view.

Photos: Emer Keogh
Report taken from http://www.irishhockeyleague.ie

Pembroke will now meet Glenanne in the IHL Semi Final’s in Grange Rd on Sat 15th May.
Full details of the IHL finals weekend are here.