Paisley Pirates 1, Whitley Warriors 2

Jan 21 2008 The Journal

VICTORY for the Warriors at the Braehead Arena on Saturday virtually clinched their place in the Northern League play-off weekend in April – and with it a chance to defend the trophy they won last season.

After a goalless opening period the Pirates took the lead with a powerplay marker from Chris Conaboy at 31.50, the big defender scrambling the puck home during a goalmouth melee. Daniel Murdy fired in the Whitley equaliser in similar circumstances on 50 minutes to set up the overtime period as the Warriors defence, and netminder Stephen Hoult in particular, held firm.

Neither side could find a winner during the 10 minutes of sudden death overtime, leaving the game to be settled on penalty shots. While Myles Watson was the only successful Paisley player, Ryan Sample and Karl Culley both scored for the visitors to give them the victory.