The top four in the men’s EY Hockey League all advanced in the Irish Senior Cup, although for the second week running Pembroke put their fans through the wringer against midtable Ulster Premier opposition.
Last week they just scraped by South Antrim 4-3. On Saturday it was Mossley’s attempt at a giant killing and a double of Jordan Robinson and an Aaron Boyd effort meant they went toe-to-toe with their illustrious visitors.
It sent their quarter-final tie to a shoot-out, with normal time ending 3-3, matching goals from Harry Spain, Cian Murphy and Keith O’Hare. Pembroke prevailed 4-3 in the shoot-out, making them the first semi-finalist in the competition this year.
The other three quarter-final match-ups were also confirmed. Three Rock advanced to an away date against Cork Church of Ireland thanks to a strong 5-2 win over Cookstown, with Mitch Darling’s wonder goal the highlight.
He broke 75m forward before turning a couple of defenders inside out and then picked out the top corner. It made it 4-2 after Rovers had previously found the Co Tyrone side tough to shake off.
John Mullins and Jody Hosking had them 2-0 up inside 10 minutes, and they led 3-1 at the break, but Michael Kerr and Greg Allen goals kept Cookstown interested until Darling scored. Daragh Walsh added a spectacular final goal to close out the result.
Lisnagarvey eliminated Railway Union at the third attempt after two frozen dates, Sean Murray and Matthew Nelson doing the damage in a 2-0 win. EY Hockey League leaders Glenanne proved far too strong for Queen’s in a 6-0 win, with Shane O’Donoghue bagging a brace.
Garvey meet YMCA, the last remaining side from the regional leagues, in the quarters, while Glenanne face Monkstown in a mouth-watering derby date.
