[img_assist|nid=3409|title= |desc=|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=192]Ireland (0) 5
(O’Flynn 2, Smyth 2, Sargent)
Mexico (0) 0

The Electric Ireland Irish women’s hockey team made it three wins from three as they defeated Mexico by 5-0 at the Athlon Car Lease FIH Road to London Olympic qualifer in Belgium.

Ireland took a long time to break down the Mexican defence as it was scoreless at half time but patience was the key and in the end scored 5 second half goals to leave Ireland top of the pool after three games. 

For the latest from the tournament see http://www.fih.ch/en/competitions-151-athlon-car-lease-fih-road-to-london-women

The first half was totally dominated by Ireland with all the territory and winning 4 penalty corners but the Mexican keeper was having a great day in goal keeping out all Irish attacks.  Ireland started the second half with more speed and aggression and Aine Connery almost gave Ireland the lead with a great deflection but again the Mexican Keeper Castillo pulled off a top class save. The 1^st goal from Ireland came from their 5^th PC in the 44 minute courtesy of another Audrey O Flynn drag flick her 4^th of the Tournament.  Ireland continued to dominate but could not find a way through.  In the 59^th minute Correa got her marching orders when she received a ten minute Yellow card for a heavy challenge on Emma Clarke and at the same time the Mexicans substituted their keeper. In the remaining 11 minutes Ireland scored four goals – the first of them in the 60^th minute when Nici Daly earned a free just outside the circle and after a goal mouth scramble Emma Smyth reversed into the net from 6 yards to give Ireland breathing space and a two Goal Lead.  In the 64^th minute after good work by Speers earning Ireland a penalty corner O’Flynn made it 3 when her initial drag was saved but she buried the rebound.  Smyth got her second from a second phase penalty corner two minutes later and in the final minute of the game Cliodhna Sargent made it 5-0 from open play.

Nicola Symmons became the most capped Irish player of all time winning her 172^nd cap for her country – the record had previously been held by Eimear Cregan.   

After the game Irish Coach Gene Muller said “it was generally a frustrating match for us we found it hard to create goal scoring chances in the 1^st half but we were more fluid and clinical in the second half.  There are only 3 teams left that can win the Tournament and our next two games against Spain are critically important”

The game today at 5pm between Spain and Belgium will be interesting viewing for the Irish Girls.  They have a rest day tomorrow- before they play the top seedsSpain on Thursday at 3.30 (Irish Time)

Starting XI: Pamela Smithwick, Nicola Symmons, Cliodhna Sargent, Sinead McCarthy, Audrey O Flynn, Emma Smyth, Lizzie Colvin, Emma Clarke, Alex Speers, Aine Connery, Nicola Evans.

Subs: Michelle Harvey, Shirley McCay, Nicola Daly, Chloe Watkins, Lisa Jacob.

Non Playing: Emma Gray, Miriam Crowley

Ireland 2 (1) 
Peter Caruth 14m pc; Timmy Cockram 56th m pc

Korea 3 (1) 
Nam Yong Lee 30m op & 70th op; Hyun Woo Nam 58th ps.

It was heartbreak for Ireland tonight at the final of the Electric Ireland FIH Road to London when they lost out by the narrowest of margins in a game that could have secured them a spot in the London Olympics.

Ireland opened holding the majority of play in the first ten minutes showing composure and patience as they looked for a way to break through and attack. Ireland’s efforts paid off when they secured the first penalty corner in the 13th minute, John Jermyn’s initial drag was saved but a quick Peter Caruth pounced on the rebound for a close range slap to go one nil up.

David Harte was called into action minutes later closing out the chance for Korea to get a clean strike away. Korea began to find rhythm and again looked dangerous in the Irish circle but the post this time kept their efforts out and Ireland’s 1-0 lead in tact. Ireland were forced into a spell of pressure but a solid looking Irish defence reacted well to the Korean efforts.

Korea finally equalised with a close range shot after working along the backline to set up Yong Nam Lee at the penalty spot and one all at half time.

Ireland started with great initiative Mikie Watt weaving his way up the right but the attack yielded no goal. Ireland came close with some great build up work from Gleghorne and Darling to put through two bouncing balls across the circle but Ireland just couldn’t get the touch. Ireland secured a penalty corner with less than a quarter to go and marksman Timmy Cockram was on hand to push Ireland into the lead once again.

Ireland conceded a penalty stroke minutes later and Woo Hyun Nam made no mistake to level the sides to 2-2.

Korea had a golden chance to go ahead minutes later but a phenomenal Harte in goals kept the drag effort out. With just eight seconds left on the clock Irish hearts broke as a free in received a deft touch from Nam Young Lee to give his side the 3-2 win and Olympic place. 

Ireland Starting XI: David Harte; John Jackson; Geoff McCabe; Ronan Gormley; Michael Watt; John Jermyn; Ian Sloan; Mitch Darling; David Ames; Paul Gleghorne; Stuart Loughrey

reserves: Chris Cargo; John Jermyn; Peter Caruth; Andy McConnell; Timmy Cockram

Final Placings; 1) Korea; 2) Ireland; 3) Malaysia; 4) Russia; 5) Ukraine 6) Chile