HOCKEY/Neville Cup final: A senior breakthrough was just out of the reach of Aer Lingus in the Neville Cup final at Serpentine Avenue yesterday when Pembroke Wanderers emerged with a 2-1 victory to regain the trophy that last rested in their clubhouse in 1995

A senior breakthrough was just out of the reach of Aer Lingus in the Neville Cup final at Serpentine Avenue yesterday when Pembroke Wanderers emerged with a 2-1 victory to regain the trophy that last rested in their clubhouse in 1995.

The Pembroke side, though missing several leading figures, expressed themselves in a skilful blending of youth and maturity to withstand a determined challenge from their visitors.

A goal in the second minute was an important factor with a thrust by Simon Kershaw opening the way for Alan Sothern to score and put Aer Lingus immediately on the back foot. Nevertheless, Derek O'Gorman responded particularly positively and prompted danger from Adrian Sweeney up front.

On the break, however, Gordon Elliott's international class was emphasised by a splendidly struck reverse-stick shot to make it 2-0 in the 30th minute before Aer Lingus rallied for David Bane to reduce the leeway from a short corner on the half-time whistle.

An equaliser was much in prospect in the second half as Eamon Bane spurred his team forward but Stephen Doran reacted sharply to remove the sting while Ronan Gormley played with composure in the heart of the home defence.

The ex-Pembroke defender, Ken Treacy, remained alert at the back for Aer Lingus in keeping the issue alive to the end.

PEMBROKE WANDERERS: S Doran; R Gormley; T Lewis, S Smyth, C Kelly; G Elliott (capt), C Brady, S Kershaw; T Hill, A Sothern, M Elliott.

AER LINGUS: E Connolly; E Bane (capt); C Connolly, K Treacy, A Marshall; D Bane, D O'Gorman, J Dunne; P Gahan, A Sweeney, L Pearson. Subs: T Parsons, B Gray.

Umpires: A Groves, R Neville.