Topflight Sports for Schools - Hockey: Ireland 3

Hockey: Ireland 3 - 3 Canada

Setanta Sports Trophy (m)

MATCH REPORT: Ireland V Canada (Men's)

Ireland

3 (2) Eugene Magee, 14th m, Alan Southern 16th m, Mitch Darling 40th m

Canada 3 (1) Mark Pearson 31st , Ravi Kahlon 41st , Robert Short 49th

Ireland's men continued playing with the exciting flair they had displayed against Pakistan the previous evening when they took on

Canada

tonight in their second game of the Setanta Sports Trophy.

Only two minutes in Ireland conceded a penalty corner which resulted in a penalty stroke but an on form Harte saved the shot low to the right to keep a clean sheet. Twelve minutes later an Irish cross in from the left was met by a diving Eugene Magee to slot home his countries first goal of the night. Only two minutes later a shot from Shaw was met by Alan Southern to double Ireland's lead to two nil. The game continued with great pace and skill as both sides moved the ball from end to end, but Canada got one back just four minutes before half time when a free in resulted in a goal mouth scramble which Mark Pearson converted for his side.

Half time Ireland 2 - 1 Canada

Ireland were not long waiting to extend their lead when Mitch Darling showed some of his goal scoring magic when he deflected a free in which he roofed into the net for a 3-1 lead. But, only sixty seconds later Ireland were punished in a similar fashion to the first goal when a free in again resulted in a melee around the circle for Ravi Kahlon to bring his side back within a goal at 3-2.

The equaliser came in the 49th minute when captain Short got on the end of a free in to draw his side level at three all. Both sides began to show their frustration and in the 51st minute Ireland's Alan Southern was sent to the bin for ten minutes but within 60 seconds the sides were once again on a level playing field when one of Canada's midfielders joined him on the side line for an illegal tackle.

Both sides had opportunities to score and with only a minute left on the clock keeper Harte was called into action for a superb penalty corner save to keep his side level at three all.

Commenting after the game was Passmore "This was a pleasing start with some good finishing by our young players but it was disappointing to concede two goals from almost identical situations and as a young group we have to learn quickly from these situations to prevent us repeating our mistakes."

Ireland's men play on Saturday 14th against Great Britain at 7pm.

Next Matches

Saturday 14th June

1.00 South Africa v Germany (w)

3.00 Ireland v Great Britain (m)

5.00 Pakistan v Canada (m)

7.00 Ireland v Great Britain (m)

12th June, 2008

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