Foyle lose five goal thriller

THE waterbased astro pitch at UU Jordanstown was the venue for Foyle Mens encounter against PSNI in the Senior Two Ulster Hockey League.

Last time the sides met FHC opened the scoring but left 4-2 losers back in October, so how could bottom of table club improve this time against third place opposition.

Ironically like first time around Foyle opened the score account with a goal from their second short corner when the injector A McCague followed up to volley home the rebounded shot around 10 minutes in.

Foyle then had to battle hard to resist further attacks and the script declared one goal coming from a penalty corner through the goalie's legs followed by a second from open play with 25 minutes on the clock.

Again the attacking right flank of PSNI was well shepherded by left defence of Foyle til the half time mark.

Encouraging words from captain rallied our men to give all to getting a draw and winning the first league point of the season.

Boosted by this and some fresh legs from the bench saw end to end and left to right stretching of the play. It must be said that we endured the majority of pressure from PSNI but the stretch paid off as a through probing blast from the half way line into the circle found an Foyle edge to deflect into the PSNI net with five mins to go.

Unfortunately fate took advantage of the flagging fitness and experience from a hard working Foyle.

A foot foul saw some expectant FHC players stop but no whistle came and the advantage gave an anticipative PSNI striker time and room to slot home for the cruel win.

A point still eludes the Foyle men but the best gutsy performance so far indicates that they may soon break their 'duck' but unlikely their wooden spoon.

Next week will see the men at home in the cup against Ballymena at 12.45pm and supporters families with young children are most welcome at St Columb's Park.