YMCA’s late comback stuns Glenanne

Two goals in final five minutes secure a 3-2 victory



While the top of the Leinster men's Division One table remains pretty much unchanged, YMCA's stunning late comeback win over Glenanne had a big impact on the race for Irish Hockey League places.

Stephen Barry’s side have struggled this season the Y looked to be staring down the barrel of another defeat when Gary Shaw’s second-half double put the Glens 2-1 up with less than five minutes to play.

But Andrew Walker and Ben Campbell augmented Richie Pedreschi's earlier goal to swing the tie their way 3-2.

It did not have any effect on the overall standings but, with UCD shading their date with Railway Union 2-1, it leaves Glenanne four points off the students who occupy fourth spot – the last of the four automatic IHL qualification spaces.

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In addition, it lifted YMCA clear of Fingal in ninth place and well out of reach of basement side Rathgar

Three Rock Rovers remain top following a comfortable 6-2 win over Rathgar. Jody Hosking's fortuitous effort started the run. A Shane Madeley drag-flick and an Ali Haughton goal from a broken down penalty corner extended the margin before Johnny Walker got two back for Rathgar in the second half.

Monkstown stay second, three points off the pace courtesy of a 6-4 win over Corinthian. Four of the goals came from defenders with Keith Kenning nabbing a rare goal while Andy Ewington and a Richard Sykes double put them 6-2 clear before Matt Brown and Alan Blennerhassett made the scoreboard more sympathetic.

Mark Loughrey's double, meanwhile, kept Pembroke in third spot.

Stephen Findlater

Stephen Findlater

Stephen Findlater is a contributor to The Irish Times writing about hockey