Ireland's A side took on the Canadian women in the start of a five series battle at the National Hockey Stadium in UCD securing a convincing 2-0 victory over the visitors.
Ireland A opened looking the stronger of the two sides immediately dictating the play and dominating the game, evident by winning eleven penalty corners to Canada's one throughout the seventy minutes. Ireland, captained by Roisin Flinn today, opened their account when they secured their second penalty corner which saw the ball fed back to the injector, Flinn to slap in at the near post for a one nil lead to the girls in green.
Despite having the lion's share of possession Ireland's defense were put under pressure mid way through the half when Canada found some rhythm and managed to build some attacking play but a young Irish defense marshaled by McKay held strong and on the few occasions keeper Emma Gray was called into action she proved her form. Ireland doubled their lead in the twentieth minute when a penalty corner was switched for a Nikki Evans strike which she converted for a two nil lead.
With only five minutes before the break Canada had their best chance of the half forcing their only penalty corner of the match but Keeper Gray was on form for a direct strike save.
Canada started the match more composed in the second half creating more chances than they had seen in the first thirty five but the energy and effort from the girls in green stomped out any Canadian attack.
Ireland had a number of more chances to convert including some great work on the right from, McInerney, Atchelor; Evans, Delany and Flinn but their efforts went unrewarded despite finding the cross bar in the 60th minute. Ireland A worked tirelessly and continued to attack until the final whistle and despite not converting more chances this is a performance that this young team can be proud of.
Commenting after the game was Coach Guy Garrett ÔÇ£I was very pleased with the performance today. We are working on some key tactical play and the girls performed every aspect we were working on. This was a step up for a lot of player to play against a Senior side and I couldn't have asked for more from them.ÔÇØ
Ireland A - Canada 2-0 (2-0)
Goals Ireland: Roisin Flinn; Nicola Evans
Irish Team: Emma Gray (GK); Helen Stevenson (GK), Shirley McKay; Roisin Flinn; Cliodhna Sargent; Anna O'Flanagan; Zara Delany; Nicola Evans; Megan Frazer; Melanie Ryan; Niamh Atchelor; Liz McInerney; Michelle Harvey; Julia O;Halloran; Audrey O'Flynn; Chloe Watkins.
Next Matches:
Tuesday 13 January: 14:00 Ireland A-Canada
Friday 16 January: 14:00 Ireland-Canada
Saturday 17 January: 14:30 Ireland-Canada
Sunday 18 January: 14:00 Ireland-Canada
Source: Irish Hockey Association
