Gorey 2
Pembroke Wanderers 2

Gorey’s fourth match saw them take to the pitch again at Astro Active in Enniscorthy against Pembroke Wanderers. Yet again, Gorey were quick off the starting block taking the game to Pembroke and pressing hard on their defence.

Expert passing across the front line involving Sarah Merrigan, Muireann Deegan, Aislinn Buttle, Sally Sutton and Lynne Copeland caused havoc for Pembroke’s defence who found themselves under continued pressure. Gorey’s hard work was eventually rewarded in the first quarter with an outstanding goal from a penalty corner by Nicola Ryan.

Gorey continued to push forward with a fantastic passing game in all parts of the pitch. The defence of Aoife Waters, Vicky Hughes, Ruth Evans, Odile Evans and Bridget Kenny showed great composure and strength when under pressure from Pembroke’s attack. Some wonderful passing and fast switching of play created opportunities for Gorey a number of times. Lynne Copeland and Sarah Merrigan were unlucky not to link up to convert a well worked corner.

A momentary lapse in concentration in the second quareter gave Pembroke a break and they jumped on it, pulling back alongside Gorey at 1-1.

This spurred Pembroke on to press on Gorey’s defence and Gorey did an expert job on closing down their attack a number of times. Abi Nuzum in Gorey’s goal showed great composure and calmness under pressure to intercept Pembroke’s further shots on goal. The first half closed out at 1-1.

Pembroke eventually broke through Gorey’s defence once more in the third quarter scoring a breakaway goal against the run of play. Interestingly, the impact of the goal was the making of the game. Gorey were like a team that had been stung by a bee. Play resumed with Gorey showing a new found vigour and drive. Attacking in waves, they strung together some outstanding passes and challenged Pembroke’s every move with the tenacious spirit that they are known for. Gorey were now in control of the game.

The entire team threw themselves forward in relentless attack. Some amazing intercepts and tackles by the midfield of Laura Horan, Nicola Ryan, Veronica Horan, Heather O’Sullivan and Robyn Swords created more opportunities for Gorey and they didn’t disappoint. A fantastic team drive forward all the way up the pitch was finished off in style by Aislinn Buttle.

Gorey were unlucky not to score again before the final whistle. They continued to push forward and drive at Pembroke’s defence. A well timed pass from Sarah Merrigan put Muireann Deegan through to Pembroke’s circle. Pembroke’s goalkeeper needed to pull a great save out of the bag to deny Muireann’s tomahawk shot.

The well fought and competitive game ended in a 2-2 draw and Gorey move on to prepare for a game against Corinthians next Saturday.