OLD ALEXANDRA HEARTBREAK IN MADRID AS THEY ARE NARROWLY RELEGATED ON SUDDEN DEATH PENALTY STROKES

SUNDAY APRIL 8

Old Alexandra were narrowly relegated to Cup Winners Cup Division B in this morning's playoff game with Belarusian side Viktoria Smolevichi. Alex began the game very strongly, building numerous attacks down their right hand side through Aisling Flinn, Zanya Dahl and Gillian O'Shea. Alex opened the scoring after 5 minutes with a well-worked penalty corner deflected in by Barbara Fitzgerald. Alex continued to dominate the first half and only a fine save onto the crossbar from the Belarus goalkeeper prevented Anya Bowers from doubling the Alex lead. Viktoria Smolevichi began the second half strongly and capitalised on a rare lapse in the Alex defence to win a penalty corner after 19 minutes. Alena Yanybaeva converted for the equaliser. The sides remained deadlocked at full time after some end-to-end attacking hockey, sending the tie into a penalty stroke shootout. Both sides scored 4 out of their 5 penalty strokes sending the tie into sudden death. Alex failed to convert their first penalty stroke allowing Alesia Piotukh to score the winner and secure their Division A status for next season.

Alex defender Gillian O'Shea's devastation was somewhat relieved by a dramatic pitch-side proposal from her partner Guy Garrett during post-match team photos.