Ireland 1 Korea 1 (mens hockey)

Ireland took on the world number 6's and highest ranked team in this FIH Road to London this evening in front of a packed stadium in UCD.

This was the first real test for Ireland after securing two good wins over the weekend (6-1 against Russia; 12-0 against Ukraine). The game opened up with some nervy moments from both defences but as they settled the match was played at a ferocious pace with end to end activity. Ireland secured the first penalty corner the intial drag was saved by Lee in goals but the rebound was put wide by Ireland. Minutes later Michael Watt laid up a great ball for Eugene Magee but Lee was on form and out of his goals to close down the pacy Magee.

Korea got their first real chance in the 19th securing a penalty corner but their efforts were flung wide. Keeper and man of the match David Harte was put to the test in the 29th minute when all 6ft 5" of him was called into action to get a toe to push wide the Korean shot.

Ireland finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Timmy Cockram switched the set piece picking up David Ames to deflect in at the post to go 1-0 before half time.

Korea came out all gun's blazing in the second half and secured three consecutive penalty corners in the first 6 minutes, the third of which was lucky for them and Woo Hyun Shin who dragged home the equaliser.

Korea looked sure to take the lead bar for exellent keeping once again by Harte in goals which lead to an immediate counter attack by Ireland but despite great pace by Timmy Cockram he couldn't get the shot away.

Ireland had moments of pressure to soak up with a number of cards but they despite being at ten men on occassions they kept pace well.