Three strikes by Paul O'Brien at critical moments enabled Railway Union to edge into the Leinster Senior Cup final at Grange Road yesterday. Railway, after a raw start, knocked out Monkstown 3-2 and in the second semi-final Pembroke Wandereres, the holders, scored freely in beating Corinthians 6-2.
Monkstown, with greater midfield thrust, were more alert initially and, from frees, went two up through touches from Ian Allen and Jason Hart. But a reply came immediately to the second goal as O'Brien connected with a right-wing cross from Stevie Moulton in the 34th minute.
This gave Railway the impetus to put on most of the second-half pressure but Toni Lehiten and his fellow defenders held out until a short corner on the final hooter saw O'Brien deliver a shot which Sean Southgate finished to the net for the equaliser.
So, the issue was left to be decided by a `golden goal' and in the second period of extra time a strong Springbok surge was supported by O'Brien, who made a diving reverse-stick connection to sink the winner.
The outcome to the second game was never in doubt, as Trevor Dunne swept Pembroke in front after five minutes, Justin Sherriff added a drag flick and Alan Giles touched home a free for a 3-0 interval lead.
After Sherriff had converted a second corner, Colin Stewart and Mark Magnier salvaged some comfort for Corinthians in reducing the arrears to 4-2 but Pembroke then attacked at full spate for Gordon Elliott and Devin Donnelly to complete the tally.
Before the start of the game, a minute's silence was observed in memory of Pembroke's Linda Ryan, who had given her heart and soul to hockey at colts' level.
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