Ireland win the third match but Scotland win the series in Belfast

Scotland women lost 6-4 to Ireland in a very close and competitive contest in Belfast. The Scots won the series 3-2 after back-to-back victories in the first two encounters of the test matches.

Ireland came out fast and struck an early goal through a low shot across goal into the bottom left corner. 1-0.

Their relentless pressure nearly put the home side 2-0 ahead but for a solid save from a straight strike from the top of the D at a penalty corner.

A second goal for Ireland came soon enough; the ball was squeezed home from a tight angle off the far post and in.

Scotland nearly struck back when they stole the ball just outside the Irish D but an excellent save at the top right corner denied the goal.

The longer the quarter progressed the more Scotland looked likely to score, and they pulled one back through a powerful penalty corner strike. The powerful pass from the top of the D by Amy Costello was low, and deflected by Fiona Semple up to hit the bar and into the net. 2-1

There was nearly an equaliser when Robyn Collins had a penalty corner strike thunder just wide of the left post right before the end of the quarter.

Ireland went 3-1 ahead in the second quarter through powerful solo run into the D and a low finish.

Scotland struck back again. An excellent penalty corner routine was deflected home to pull it back to 3-2 right on half time. Bex Condie picked out Fiona Burnet to convert at the right post.

An equaliser came for Scotland in the second half through a superb low shot across goal on the reverse by Burnet. The attack was forced down the right by some brave dribbling, and when the ball arrived with Burnet she had no hesitation to make it 3-3.

As the end of the third quarter approached Scotland went 4-3 ahead. An excellent interception in the Irish half, and a slick exchange in the D, set up a far post tap in for Burnet to complete her hat-trick.

The intensity didn’t relent and an equaliser for Ireland was struck from a penalty corner in the final quarter.

As full time approached Ireland took the lead, then quickly followed up with a sixth goal to make it Ireland 6-4 Scotland.

Head Coach Chris Duncan said, “Ireland came out with good intensity today and deserved to take the lead, but I’m really pleased by our ability to change the momentum of the game and get back in front. It really showed our character, then we started to tire towards the end, which can happen when you play at the tempo we have over the three matches.

“Over all the test series has been really positive for us. We were organised and played exciting hockey. Scoring 11 goals in three games is exceptional for us; we came here to improve and develop our style so its mission accomplished. To come away disappointed to not win all three games against a team ranked 12 in the world shows good progress in these early days.”

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