Ireland's men took on the Scottish earlier today in the second of a two match clash. After a two all draw in the first game, the Irish men were no doubt keen to get the 3-0 victory under their belt.
Ireland dominated the opening twenty minutes of today's match in much improved weather conditions in Sterling, Scotland. Scotland didn't do much to test the Irish defense and only made their first circle penetration in the twenty first minute.
Ireland opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when Butler scored from a broken down penalty corner with a hard driven shot to find the back of the net.
Half time Ireland led one goal to nil.
The second half saw Scotland claw their way back into the game forcing both McCabe and Gormley into saving goals off Ireland's line to keep a clean sheet.
In the 47th minute Ireland doubled their lead when Irwin scored from a second phase penalty corner rebound from a Butler drag flick. Captain Paddy Brown was unlucky not to score with a dazzling run up the pitch which lead to a well saved shot by the Scottish keeper.
The goal of the match came for Ireland in the 56th minute, good combination play down the right hand side with Maguire making a reverse pass for Irwin to deflect in at the back post for a top class goal.
Commenting after the game was coach Passmore ÔÇ£This was a reasonable performance with good spells and strong attacking play. It was also pleasing to see some good individual performances, but we need to be more clinical when we are in the twenty three meter attacking zone.ÔÇØ
Source: Irish Hockey Association
