Ireland’s men drew 2-2 against England in their final pool match of the European Hockey Championships taking place in Boom, Belgium, but with goal difference in play Ireland still missed out on a semi-final spot and will now have to play out to grab the 5th spot – one above their ranking in this tournament. Ireland (world ranking 15) were first out of the traps threatening the English (world ranking 4) defence early on securing a penalty corner on the four minute mark but Conor Harte’s drag was well defended keeping the sides level. Just three minutes later it was England on the attack with Condon spinning into the circle to get a shot away which took a sneaky deflection en route thanks to Carson’s stick to take the 1-0 lead. The pacey affair ensued in end to end fashion but Carson proved the hit man once again when left alone in the circle he slapped home a mid high bouncing cross leaving David Harte in goals with little chance in the 19th minute. Ireland had a few chances to pull one back before the half time but a strong English defence team worked well to keep their sheet clean. David Harte was tested early in the second half on his glove side thanks to Caitlin’s snap shot before Ireland were back in attacking mode but Mikie Watt just couldn’t get the shot away in the 42minute. Ireland were rewarded with a penalty corner opportunity in the 50th minute and a penalty stroke ensued. Ireland’s marksman Shane O’Donoghue stepped up and coolly converted sending the keeper the wrong way making it Ireland 1-2 England in the 50th minute. Just seven minutes later O’Donoghue found himself stepping up to the penalty stroke spot once again this time going the opposite side scoring his brace to level the sides. With thirteen minutes left the game intensified – England just needing the draw for a semi final spot but Ireland needing the win. Both sides had chances the majority of which fell to Ireland’s Green Machine with plenty of sharp breath ‘so close’ moments. Despite a huge effort Ireland couldn’t pin down the all important third goal winner and so will go into fight it out for places 5 through to 8 while England will join the top four in the semi finals.
Coach Meredith was clearly disappointed on missing out on the semi-final spot but encouraged by the competitiveness this team has shown against sides ranked much higher “It is obviously a tremendously disappointing result. We were surprised that the English played so negatively, sitting so deep behind their own half line. But despite going 2-0 down in the first half we were controlling long periods and were ahead in all departments statistically. The elements that probably contributed to not getting the win involved both key areas in front of the goal and our effectiveness in those areas”
“None the less we continue to show improvement and both the strong performance against the Dutch (ranked 3) and the fact that we are disappointed at only drawing today’s game against the English (ranked 4th) is a very encouraging sign from a very young and inexperienced team that is continuing to grow as an extremely competitive unit.” He continued
Ireland will be back in action on Friday at 3pm and Sunday at 10am http://www.trifinanceeurohockey2013.be/index.php?websitestructid=296 Starting XI: HARTE David (GK); JACKSON John (Captain); BELL Jonny; CARGO Chris; MAGEE Eugene; CARUTH Peter; McCANDLESS Bruce; HARTE Conor; BROWN Peter; O’DONOGHUE Shane; WATT Mikie. Reserves: GORMLEY Ronan; COLE Stephen; SHIMMINS Kirk; DARLING Mitch; GOOD Kyle; FITZGERALD David; LOUGHREY Stuart
