Ireland Women Defeat Scotland 3-0 in FIH Nations Cup Opener

Ireland Women Defeat Scotland 3-0 in FIH Nations Cup Opener
HerSport Editor
HerSport Editor

Ireland began their FIH Hockey Nations Cup campaign in Santiago, Chile with a win against Scotland. Ireland controlled the opening phases, scoring after just 6 minutes when debutant Mikayla Power deflected in at the back post. Ireland weathered a storm in the second quarter, with Naomi Carroll setting up Niamh Carey to double Ireland’s lead before the break. They regained control of the game in the third and fourth quarter, despite Scotland’s best efforts. Katie Mullan grabbed Ireland’s third in the final minute, firing into an empty net after Scotland withdrew their keeper, to secure a 3-0 win.

 

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Ireland began the game in a positive fashion, dominating possession and creating early circle penetrations which eventually resulted in their first penalty corner of the game. After their first effort was saved Naomi Carroll took control of the loose ball, firing at the back post for Mikayla Power to open the scoring for Ireland on her Senior International debut.

Scotland dialled up the intensity in the second quarter, opting to press Ireland high up the pitch. Scotland’s change of tactics served them, winning three penalty corners, which Ireland goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran dealt with well. Their third penalty corner, coming with just a minute remaining of the first half, was well defended by Ireland, giving them an opportunity to counter. Hannah McLoughlin spotted Naomi Carroll free in the Scottish half. The Limerick attacker turned well to find Niamh Carey free on the penalty spot to deflect into the net and double-Ireland's lead going into the break.

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Ireland regained control of the game in the second half, with Katie Mullan testing the Scottish keeper in the 36th minute, and Ireland later winning a penalty corner that was deflected wide.

Ireland eventually grabbed a third to seal the game. In a last ditched effort to find a route back into the game, Scotland withdrew their keeper in favour of an extra outfielder. Ireland managed the strategic change well, eventually winning the ball and supplying Katie Mullan who charged up the field to fire into an empty net, sealing a 3-0 victory.

Speaking after the match head coach Gareth Grundie said:

“It's a positive start in terms of points; there's still a long way to go in the competition we'll build our way through it. Overall, I’m happy with the win, happy with the clean sheet, but we need to be better in terms of performance on Tuesday.”

Ireland will play their second Pool B match of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup against New Zealand on Tuesday, February 25. The game can be watched on the TG4 Player in Ireland.

 

IRELAND: Ayeisha McFerran (GK); Sarah McAuley; Michelle Carey; Róisín Upton; Niamh Care; Sarah Hawkshaw (C); Katie Mullan; Sarah Torrans; Elena Tice; Ellen Curran.

SUBS USED: Emily Kealy [4 mins]; Naomi Carroll [5 mins]; Caoimhe Perdue [5 mins]; Charlotte Beggs [5 mins]; Hannah McLoughlin [6 mins]; Mikayla Power [6 mins].

 

SCOTLAND: Jessica Buchanan (GK); Katie Birch; Eve Pearson; Amy Costello; Charlotte Watson; Heather McEwan; Millie Steiger; Frances Lonergan; Jessica Ross; Fiona Burnet; Ellie McKenzie.

SUBS USED: Ruth Blaikie [4 mins]; Bronwyn Shields [4 mins]; Rebecca Birch [5 mins]; Zara Kennedy [5 mins]; Ann Findlay [5 mins].

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