Sean strikes twice as Garvey keep up the pressure

That’s according to captain Jonny Bell, who was understandably delighted after goals from an in-form Sean Murray sealed a 2-0 victory.

“During the first half on Sunday, we played some of the best hockey we have managed all season. We created a lot of opportunities to score and their keeper was in outstanding form to hold us out,” he said.

As has been the story of their season, again Garvey were pushed throughout the 60 minutes in a game which was far from a classic but nevertheless engrossing.

Garvey began the faster of the two teams raiding the Glennane circle on a number of occasions within the opening few minutes.

Murray set up Neil Glassey only to see the Glennane keeper Lukasz Domachowski make the first of many fine saves during the match. Andy Forrest had a similar experience as the keeper got a toe on a shot which looked destined for the net in the 10th minute.

Two more chances fell to Garvey in the first quarter but again the goalkeeper was equal to all the shots while at the other end Glennane forced the first penalty corner only to see the resulting shot go yards over.

Glennane threatened again in the 17th minute but John Tormey saved from Rixon –Fuller, the ball cannoning off the crossbar and in the 23rd minute Garvey grabbed the vital first goal.

A great flowing move involving Neil Glassey, Timmy Cockram and Sean Murray saw the young mid fielder slot the ball past the helpless Glennane keeper.

Garvey held on to their 1-0 advantage until the half time interval but the game was still there to be won.

They had the best of the possession but could not complete their domination with a second goal.

Domachchowski mad two more great saves form Andy Williamson and Matthew Nelson before Glennane struck back with a penalty corner in the 43rd minute.

This time the Garvey keeper Tormey was there to make the block and after the home keeper had saved yet again from Forrest and Cockram the third quarter was concluded with Garvey still ahead.

The final quarter proved to be a frantic affair as both sides pushed for the next goal.

Garvey had the best of the territory but again Domachowski kept them at bay making saves from Williamson and Glassey. A good move down the right saw the ball crossed from the by-line and Murray was on the spot to slot home the crucial second goal and seal the game.

The brace of wins over the week end was priceless for Garvey as they moved into second position in the IHL table just a point behind the title favourites Monkstown, who also recorded two wins out of two against Cork Church of Ireland and Cookstown, while third placed Banbridge could only manage two draws against Three Rock Rovers and Cork.

Garvey now take a week’s break before playing Instonians in the second round of the Irish Senior Cup at Shaws Bridge on Saturday 28th.

The break will be very welcome to allow the squad to rest and recover after a hectic few weeks of intense activity.