Ireland 1 - 1 Spain
August 22, 2014
IRELAND 1 (1) Audrey O’Flynn 9m pcSPAIN 1 (0) Alicia Magaz 46m fg
Ireland draw with Spain after a close encounter in the Electric Ireland Tri Nations in UCD
Ireland started strongly and were rewarded early on with a penalty corner. The ensuing drag flick was powerfully executed by Audrey O’Flynn, putting Ireland into the lead 1-0 in the 9th minute. Ireland continued the pressure with a second penalty corner awarded minutes later which was saved by Spain’s keeper Ruiz. Ireland continued to capitalise with a crash ball from Pinder in the 18th minute which was narrowly missed by Mullan making a sprint to the back post. Spain gathered themselves and came back at Ireland with a penalty corner awarded in the 22nd minute. Ireland defended adeptly with Duke clearing from the goalmouth. Spain continued the pressure but a second penalty corner was again thwarted by the strong Irish defense. Ireland continued to soak up the pressure and finished half-time with one goal ahead of their opponents.
The Green Army had a strong start to the second half, securing a penalty corner within minutes of the restart. Another O’Flynn drag flick was expertly saved off the pads. This closely contested game continued with end to end possession which the Spanish team capitalised on with a goal from open play, the opportunity taken by Magaz in the 46th minute. Ireland faced disappointment immediately afterwards as an Irish goal from O’Flanagan was disallowed due to a false restart.
The match continued with end to end play, both sides failing to capitalise on the opportunity presented. Despite some intense pressure from the Ireland team in the dying minutes, the match finished up with a goal apiece. Ireland 1, Spain 1.
Ireland are back in action on Saturday against France at 2pm.
Starting XI: Stella Davis (GK); Cliodhna Sargent; Chloe Brown; Nicola Evans; Megan Frazer (Capt); Audrey O'Flynn; Chloe Watkins; Nicola Daly; Anna O'Flanagan; Gillian Pinder; Yvonne O'Byrne
Reserves: Ayeisha McFerran (GK); Naomi Carroll; Katie Mullan; Deirdre Duke; Kate Dillon; Alison Meeke; Emily Beatty
Series 4
•Friday August 22nd Spain v France 17.00
•Saturday August 23rd Ireland v France 14.00
•Sunday August 24th Ireland v Spain 14.00
Source : Irish Hockey Association
