Conditions were perfect as Greenfields 1sts lined out against North Kildare on Saturday 29th last.
The contest was Round 1 of the Irish Hockey Trophy competition, & the home advantage brought a lively crowd to Dangan.
Having reached the finals of this competition last year, hopes were high at Greenfields that they would go as far this season.
Alas, it was not to be.... In an even-sided game, both teams had chances but neither converted, giving a half-time score of nil-all. The tempo increased in the second half, & the North Kildare defence came under sustained pressure, resulting in a penalty stroke being awarded to Greenfields. Hopes were dashed by a fine save from the Nth.Kildare keeper.
Greenfields piled on the pressure, forcing several short corners, but their attempts at goal were held off by a strong Nth.Kildare defence. With less that ten minutes to go, Nth.kildare came onto a breaking ball at full pace, carried it to Greenfields' circle, & sent it crashing into the net.
Spurred on by this, Nth.Kildare increased the attack, but Greenfields held firm. Time was now the enemy. Greenfields continued to press on & were unlucky not to find the backboard when a sweeping ball flew across the goal-mouth.
The final whistle sounded to a disappointed Greenfields team - North Kildare proceed to Round 2, when they travel to Tyrone to play Cookstown on February 12th.
