MOSSLEY HAVE NO ANSWER TO LEINSTER CHAMPIONS IN CUP
Mossley 0 Pembroke Wanderers 6
In a quarter final of the Irish Senior Cup, Mossley entertained Leinster kingpins Pembroke Wanderers on Saturday. Currently leading the Leinster Premier League and riddled with current and past internationals the task ahead of Mossley progressing was formidable to say the least.
Any thoughts of a major shock coming from the underdogs was put to bed in the opening two minutes, with the Mossley defence seemingly still in the dressing room, both Elliott brothers had put Pembroke into a 2 nil lead.
This sudden jolt to their system seemed to kick start Mossley into action because they began to play as a team and looked up to the challenge of taking Pembroke on. They began to string passes together and were creating half chances.
Then on 22 minutes their grit and determination paid off when they were awarded a penalty stroke. Up stepped Alvie Patterson only to see his effort thwarted by current Irish Senior Goalkeeper David Harte diving to save. Pembroke were still very dangerous every time they came into the Mossley half. Both Gordon Elliott and Justin Sheriff came to close to increasing their lead and McNeill had to be alert in the Mossley goal. Then another set back for Mossley on 34 minutes when they conceded a penalty corner driven home by Conor Harte in clinical fashion low to McNeill's right.
Mossley pride was now at stake, as any hope of progressing had probably disappeared completely. Given half a chance around goal Pembroke were ruthless; a fact that was further compounded after 7 minutes into the second period, when from a poor clearance Vaughan Erasmus scored from close in.
Back came the Mossley grit and on 14 minutes Andrew Coulter latched onto a poor Pembroke back pass, squared a neat ball to Simon Todd who drew a great save from David Harte in the Pembroke goal. On 15 minutes Mark Moreland initiated a sweet flowing move between himself, Ryan McCrea and Ross Beattie ending up in a super cross only lacking in a Mossley forward adding the final touch.
There was more misery for Mossley as Conor Harte executed a penalty stroke following a Mossley defence misdemeanour to make 5-0 to visitors. The final coupe de grace was administered by Justin Sheriff after 20minutes a he riffled the ball past McNeill in the Mossley goal.
Then another disappointment for Mossley after 34minutes when trying to get on the score sheet with Colin McClean playing a lovely ball across the Pembroke circle only to see Stuart McIvor's first touch letting him down. Again in the dying minutes of the game Andy Coulter saw one of his drag flicks well saved by Harte.
Make no mistake; this was a clinical performance from an excellent side. Their movement both on and off the ball was top drawer backed up by some excellent passing and clinical finishing.
As for Mossley, they put up a brave performance against the cream of Irish Hockey. They played with skill and gritty determination which in reality probably prevented a heavier defeat. They created several chances and could and should have scored, but found no reward on that front for their endeavours. They will have learned from their experiences.
Man of the Match Ryan McCrea
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Weather for Newtownabbey
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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