Top of the league

A TERRIFIC result and a great performance from everyone put Lurgan at the top of the Premier League, for the first time in their history.

Lurgan signalled their intention to attack at every opportunity and this was underlined in the first few minutes when a Sarah McClure shot cannoned of a post.

On 10 minutes a beautiful run by Jenny Harvey created a half chance for Joanne Wilson but her shot was well saved by the Knock keeper who was begining to realise she might be in for a busy afternoon.

Lurgan pressure finally told on 20 minutes when Zoe McNally intercepted a crossfield defenders pass and slotted the ball beautifully past the advancing keeper into the unguarded net.

Five minutes later and Knock were level when one of their forwards waltzed into the Lurgan circle and squared to a colleague who fired home. Two minutes later and Lurgan were back in front when a Charlene Hull power strike from a penalty corner found the roof of the net having been deflected off a defender's stick on the line.

Lurgan pushed forward in search of more goals and the Knock defence was stretched to the limit as wave after wave of attacks bore down on them. Natalie Barr, Carly Johnston and Sarah McClure were pulling all the strings in midfield and attacking runs from Jenny Harvey,Joanne Wilson, Chloe McCann and Jill Edgar, who unfortunately had to retire with a twisted ankle, were dragging an already exhausted defence all over the pitch.

Half-time came with Lurgan still in front but knowing they needed the insurance of a third goal.

Two early penalty corners in the second half for Lurgan were defended by Knock and on six minutes a Knock strike from one of their own corners was well saved by Lisa Costley in the Lurgan goal.

On 17 minutes came the insurance goal Lurgan were seeking and what a goal it was. Natalie Barr started it of in midfield with a superb early ball to striker Zoe McNally just inside the Knock circle, Zoe controlled it in one flowing movement to square to Joanne Wilson who whilst diving in one direction managed to wrap her stick around the ball sending it wide of the keeper and into the net.

A truly marvellous goal and superb skill from all concerned. Lurgan had their tails up now and they were relentless in the final quarter of the match.

Slick passing and the early ball seemed to be the order of the day and this formula was the undoing of Knock again when Charlene Hull found Joanne Wilson who this time turned provider for Zoe McNally to finish.

Joanne Wilson made it 5-0 after 30 minutes following good work from Chloe McCann in a crowded Knock circle. With one of the last attacks of the game Joanne Wilson completed her hattrick with a brave diving deflection past a bemused Knock keeper who must have been relieved to hear the final whistle.