Hockey: Cookstown II bow out of Junior Cup to Annadale

Cookstown Seconds were knocked out of the Irish Junior Cup at the quarter-final stage after they lost 4-1 to old rivals Annadale in a tempestuous match at Carryduff.

The match started at a great pace with Annadale setting the tone by winning a series of short corners, but Cookstown were equal to the task.

Unfortunately, Captain Gavin Butler was forced from the pitch after sustaining an injury, but his younger brother Ewan was a decent option off the bench for Cookstown.

The Reds slowly played their way into the match and took the lead through a Scott Nelson short corner strike - his fourth goal in two games.

Just before half time a moment of indecision in the defence allowed the Annadale centre forward to equalise.

A scuffle in the Dale circle was indicative of an angersome first half and saw one from each team green carded.

Cookstown started the second half in attack and could’ve taken the lead, but could not beat the tenacious Dale defenders.

It was at this stage that the Tyrone men began to let their ire at some decisions get the better of them but their protestations had no effect on the umpires.

With Cookstown advancing up the pitch in search of a goal Annadale pounced, dispossessing the last Red defender and racing the length of the pitch to make it 2-1.

A short corner strike made it 3-1 and they again found themselves down to ten men when Greer’s objection to being shoulder-charged over the sideline was considered too much by the umpire.

A further breakaway goal with Cookstown again pushing forward sealed the tie and sent Annadale through to a semi-final against either Instonians II or Three Rock Rovers II.

Cookstown: Josh Anderson, Mark Wilson, David Best, Scott Nelson, Andy Ferguson, Ryan Millar, Gavin Butler, Richard Nelson, Ewan Butler, Ryan Donaldson, Mitch Greer, Paul Watt, Callum Anderson, Timmy Sloan.

Solo Fuels Man of the Match: David Best - the defender never gave in and never took his eyes off the game.

Many thanks to Ian Cheevers for coaching the side and best of luck to Annadale in the semis.