The fixture list for the new EY Hockey League season didn’t give Pembroke Wanderers the kindest of starts back in September, their opening game taking place in Belfast against Pegasus, the last side to win the competition when it was a completed. A 1-1 draw, though, gave the Dublin team a promising start to their campaign and they have the chance to test their progress on Saturday when Pegasus make the return trip to Serpentine Avenue.
Just one point separates the teams at the top of the table, Pegasus, the only unbeaten side left in the league, holding the advantage. But their coach, Craig McGrugan, expects this game to be their sternest test yet.
“It’s been a very competitive first third of the season with some very tight, exciting games,” he said. “So far we’ve been making progress game by game, but this weekend will be another step up. We will have to perform at our best to come back to Belfast with any sort of positive result. Pembroke have an excellent side, playing a very good brand of hockey. They are a good passing side, so the contest in the middle third of the pitch will be key.”
Pembroke’s Gavin Groves, meanwhile, is content with his side’s campaign so far, and should be as well considering they haven’t even played either of the bottom two teams in the table and have kept three clean sheets in their six games, conceding just three goals.
“We are happy enough with the form we have shown,” he said. “We had a really tough start to the league so to be sitting in the top three at this stage is okay. Every week is difficult and brings a tough opponent, but it’s good to be involved in such a competitive league. We know how organised and disciplined Pegasus can be so we know we will have to perform well to get the result we want.”
Pembroke’s only defeat so far came at the hands of Old Alexandra, who are level with them on 13 points. If they can get the better of Belfast Harlequins at Milltown, and Pembroke and Pegasus draw again, then Alexandra would go top of the table.
Fifth plays fourth in the meeting of UCD and Catholic Institute at Belfield, while Railway Union will hope to build on last week’s impressive win over the students when they host Loreto at Park Avenue.
Hockey League - Division One fixtures
Old Alexandra v Belfast Harlequins, Milltown, 2.15; Pembroke Wanderers v Pegasus, Serpentine Avenue, 2.30; Railway Union v Loreto, Park Avenue, 1.30; UCD v Catholic Institute, Belfield, 1.0.
