Garvey overcome potential ‘banana skin’ at Kilkeel

Action from Saturday's game between Lisnagarvey 4ths and Annadale 3rds, at Comber Road. US1347-517cd

Lisnagarvey overcame a potential ‘banana skin’ when they travelled to Kilkeel. After a one sided first half, they struggled in the second but in the end sealed the vital three points with a 2-1 victory.

Garvey began with great purpose forcing two penalty corners in the opening three minutes. However, Sam Morris in the Kilkeel goal began an outstanding afternoon with two fine saves from Timmy Cockram as his team struggled to stay with the constant Garvey attacks.

Having ridden out the initial storm, Kilkeel replied with two penalty corners of their own in the 11th and 12th minutes.

After Tormey had made another good save in the 13th minute Garvey returned to the attack and put the Kilkeel defence under severe pressure for the next 15 minutes. First a great Timmy Cockram cross went untouched but in the 14th minute James Dowling deserved to open the scoring after finding room in the circle.

Another save by Morris from Dowling in the 16th minute was followed by Garvey’s 3rd set piece but again the Kilkeel goalie was up to the resulting drag flick.

Mark Raphael shot past the upright after another good Garvey move in the 20th minute and until the half time whistle, the visitors were by far the better side but could only rely on their slender one goal advantage.

The half time team talk seemed to do a lot more for the home side than Garvey as Kilkeel came out with all guns blazing. They took the game to Garvey and fully deserved their equaliser.

Sean Murray had a chance after a great four man Garvey move in the 43rd minute but again Sam Morris brought off a miraculous save when it looked a certain goal and in the 52nd minute James Dowling forced Garvey’s 4th penalty corner. The Cockram flick was again scrambled away by the agile Morris.

At last in the 59th minute, Garvey grabbed what was to be the winning goal. A fine move down the right flank led to Greg Thompson slipping the ball back to Peter MacDonnell and the midfielder made no mistake with his snap shot.

This was a match which Garvey should have sealed in the dominant first half but the failure to take their many chances gave the home side the opportunity to respond.

Garvey’s match against Annadale has been postponed due to the Under 18 tournament.