Railway secures promotion to top European Indoor Division

Railway played Austrian champions WAC in their second top pool match knowing that victory would secure them promotion to the top European indoor division and at least a silver medal.

The opening quarter was a cagey affair with little between the teams. Sarah Patton made a run the length of the court and won a corner which Jenny Long dispatched with aplomb into the top corner.

The second quarter continued in similar vein with Railway winning another two corners but unable to convert.

Half time: Railway 1 WAC 0.

Railway extended their lead in the third quarter Lily Lloyd finding the back of the net after good work by Becky McMullen. Railway sat deep in the final quarter defending well as WAC applied the pressure. Kate O’Hogan in the Railway goal again made some fantastic saves to keep her goal intact. Railway got an all important third goal when Sarah Patton broke free and ran the length of the court to score. WAC’s pressure paid off and they found a gap in Kate O’Hogan’s goal to score. This led to an edgy last few minutes but Railway remained defensively solid to run out 3-1 winners.

They face English side East Grinstead, featuring ex Ards and Irish indoor player Chloe Brown, in the last match of the tournament. Railway has already secured promotion to the top division and a win or a draw against East Grinstead would see Railway winning the tournament and the gold medals.