Enniscorthy Hockey Club men maintained their lead at the top of Leinster league Division 8 following a resounding 4-1 victory away to Dublin giants Pembroke Wanderers on Saturday.
Manager Fraser Rothwell had called for an improved away performance after the frustrating draw with St. Brendan’s Phoenix Park II and his charges delivered with interest. From the off Enniscorthy looked the more likely to goal as new recruit Edmundas Liukimas's physicality was causing problems for the home defence. The Wanderers' midfield and attack were dangerous on the counter and the Enniscorthy defence, well marshalled by Cathal Ó Suilleabháin, had to be alert. Three first half short corners were effectively dealt with by the league's best defence. As the half wore on, Enniscorthy began to turn the screw and their efforts were rewarded when a goal line infringement resulted in a penalty flick which Clive Rothwell converted. Hungry for more, the visitors continued to harass the opposition defence. Glenn and Roy Chapman, along with Jonathon Rothwell, were impressive at midfield, and they linked very effectively with Ó Suilleabháin moving forward. Glenn Chapman improved the scoreline to 2-0 and an own goal made it 3-0 at the break.
Half-time switches saw a preference for youth over experience as John Casey and Robbie Kavanagh slotted into defence instead of Andrew Rothwell and Ó Suilleabháín; Casey's man-marking would leave his opponent without a touch for the remainder of the game. Jason Rothwell was also introduced and his runs up the right wing, combining with Chris St. Clair-Johnson stretched the Pembroke defence. As the second half continued there were several anxious moments for the Enniscorthy defence as the hosts were able to slice through midfield; goalkeeper Graham Hill was having a busier game than he was perhaps used to.
A fourth goal- from Niall Maguire- finally put the game beyond reach but there was still time for a goal to cheer the home support. A sideline ball from the right was quickly passed across the Enniscorthy semi-circle and converted at the left post, breaking Hill's previously impregnable goal.
Enniscorthy now enjoy a weekend off before facing Railway Union at the Astro Active Centre, pencilled in for November 23.
Squad: Graham Hill; Andrew Rothwell; Cathal Ó Suilleabháin; Clive Rothwell; Kieran Costello; Jonathon Rothwell; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Seamus McAllister; Edmundas Liukimas; Chris St. Clair- Johnson; Niall Maguire; Robbie Kavanagh; Robbie Walshe; Jason Rothwell; John Casey.
Manager Fraser Rothwell had called for an improved away performance after the frustrating draw with St. Brendan’s Phoenix Park II and his charges delivered with interest. From the off Enniscorthy looked the more likely to goal as new recruit Edmundas Liukimas's physicality was causing problems for the home defence. The Wanderers' midfield and attack were dangerous on the counter and the Enniscorthy defence, well marshalled by Cathal Ó Suilleabháin, had to be alert. Three first half short corners were effectively dealt with by the league's best defence. As the half wore on, Enniscorthy began to turn the screw and their efforts were rewarded when a goal line infringement resulted in a penalty flick which Clive Rothwell converted. Hungry for more, the visitors continued to harass the opposition defence. Glenn and Roy Chapman, along with Jonathon Rothwell, were impressive at midfield, and they linked very effectively with Ó Suilleabháin moving forward. Glenn Chapman improved the scoreline to 2-0 and an own goal made it 3-0 at the break.
Half-time switches saw a preference for youth over experience as John Casey and Robbie Kavanagh slotted into defence instead of Andrew Rothwell and Ó Suilleabháín; Casey's man-marking would leave his opponent without a touch for the remainder of the game. Jason Rothwell was also introduced and his runs up the right wing, combining with Chris St. Clair-Johnson stretched the Pembroke defence. As the second half continued there were several anxious moments for the Enniscorthy defence as the hosts were able to slice through midfield; goalkeeper Graham Hill was having a busier game than he was perhaps used to.
A fourth goal- from Niall Maguire- finally put the game beyond reach but there was still time for a goal to cheer the home support. A sideline ball from the right was quickly passed across the Enniscorthy semi-circle and converted at the left post, breaking Hill's previously impregnable goal.
Enniscorthy now enjoy a weekend off before facing Railway Union at the Astro Active Centre, pencilled in for November 23.
Squad: Graham Hill; Andrew Rothwell; Cathal Ó Suilleabháin; Clive Rothwell; Kieran Costello; Jonathon Rothwell; Glenn Chapman; Roy Chapman; Seamus McAllister; Edmundas Liukimas; Chris St. Clair- Johnson; Niall Maguire; Robbie Kavanagh; Robbie Walshe; Jason Rothwell; John Casey.
