Dillon’s last-gasp winner sends Greenisland into final

Greenisland were finalists in the cup two seasons ago and were determined to get to the final once again, however they knew they were up against tough opposition in a well-drilled ‘Garvey side.

The match started with Garvey attacking early on but Greenisland’s defence of Leigh Carlin, Jackie Nelson, Heather Sharpe and Karen Whitehead made sure their were no clear-cut chances.

Greenisland found their feet and were soon playing some lovely attacking hockey with midfielders Eileen Reynolds, Jane Ewart and Chloe Carlin providing some lovely passes to the forwards to run onto. Jeanna Robb and Audrey Maccorquodale frustrated the visitors’ defence winning a few penalty corners.

Norma Montgomery and Peter Browne fired the team up at half-time with their team talk and they began the second-half determined to break the deadlock.

The Hillsborough side came straight at Greenisland at the start of the second half and quickly won a penalty corner. They converted with a straight strike hit into the bottom corner leaving keeper Lauren Gordon with no chance.

Rachel Spencely hassled on the wing and broke up play for Eileen Reynolds to provide passes to Maccorquodale (pictured) up front who won several frees and then a penalty corner for Greenisland. The ball came out to the top of the circle and was switched left to Jackie Nelson who coolly converted to bring the home side level.

A great ball from Leigh Carlin found its way to Lyndsey Turner who ran free of the ‘Garvey defence to find herself one on one with the opposition keeper. She calmly slotted the ball past the helpless keeper to put Greenisland 2-1 up.

With less than 10 minutes to go ‘Garvey hit back to restore parity. Greenisland weren’t continued to fight with sweeper Heather Sharpe tackling and distributing the ball well.

With less than a minute to go Maccorquodale picked the ball up at the 25-yard line and dodged several ‘Garvey players, surging into the circle and playing the ball along the goal line where Dillon netted with a diving lunge.

It was a fantastic performance from all the players, while coaches Norma Montgomery and Peter Browne.

The team thanked Karen Elwood and Emma Douglas for umpiring and the supporters who braved the cold to support the team. The final will be played on April 13.

Greenisland: L Gordon, H Sharpe, J Nelson, L Carlin, K Whitehead, A Maccorquodale, J Ewart, E Reynolds, C Carlin, J Robb, J Dillon, R Spencely, L Turner.