Lisnagarvey send statement in getting European adventure off to perfect start

Matthew Nelson was a key performer for Lisnagarvey in their win over Grange

Andrew Morrison

Lisnagarvey got their EuroHockey Club Trophy I campaign under way with a 4-0 win against Scottish side Grange Hockey Club.

Two goals each from Oliver Kidd and Andrew Williamson sealed the victory and gave the Hillsborough side the perfect start in Portugal.

It was the Ulster side who started the quicker of the two sides as Matthew Nelson drove past his opposite number before his strike was well saved by the goalkeeper with just two minutes on the clock.

Garvey continued to push forward and soon won the first penalty corner of the game after good work from Jonny Lynch but while the resulting effort was saved, it was a sign of things to come.

With 12 minutes on the clock, Lisnagarvey got their opening goal after brilliant work from Ryan Getty. He found Mackenzie Connor before Oliver Kidd was picked out in the circle and he chipped Grange goalkeeper Dave Forrester to make it 1-0.

Lisnagarvey then doubled their lead just two minutes into the second quarter after great work from Ben Nelson saw him win another corner for his side.

Andrew Williamson went direct for goal from the top of the circle with his drag flick being executed to perfection and picking out the corner to make it 2-0.

The Hillsborough side then extended their lead to 3-0 just before the half-time break with Kidd getting his second goal of the afternoon.

The strike came from another Garvey penalty corner with the 22-year-old picking out the top corner with his drag flick from the top of the circle. Despite their 3-0 lead, Erroll Lutton’s side continued to push forward in search of a fourth goal and they got their reward shortly after the restart for the third quarter.

Ben Nelson cleverly dispossessed the Grange defender before driving towards the circle and picking out Williamson.

The forward remained composed before chipping his effort over Forrester with the strike putting the result beyond doubt.

Having failed to put the Lisnagarvey defence under pressure throughout the game, Grange got their best chance late in the third quarter having won a penalty corner, but with the backline holding firm, they were unable to get on the scoresheet as it finished 4-0.

Elsewhere in Pool B, Ukrainian side OKS-SHVSM Vinnitsa comfortably beat AD Lousada of Portugal 5-2.

Next up for Garvey is a game against Lousada Hockey Club at 4.45pm on Saturday before they face OKS-SHVSM Vinnitsa on Sunday