HOCKEY Women's Olympic Qualifier

Ireland Olympic dream shatterd by Italian as they lose two nil.  Needing only a draw to reach Sunday’s final against Korea Ireland started nervously with Italy forcing the first corner of the game in the 10 minute which Goode saved well but another penalty corner was awarded which Ireland defended well.  After some nice play in the 14th minute a free hit from Ciara O’Brien gave Ireland their first corner of the game which was well saved by the Italian keeper.  The remainder of the half was very tense with both teams sitting deep and few scoring opportunities for either side.  Italy forced two more corners but these were well defended.  Ireland finished the half with a penalty corner of their own but the resultant shot from Ciara O’Brien was deflected over the cross bar.

Ireland started the second half stronger with a great from McDonough to the back line laying back to McKean but her shot was saved.  In the 45th minute Ireland’s best chance of the game followed when a Clarke deflection from a Ciara O’Brien free hit hit the crossbar.  Italy forced a penalty corner in the 53 minute which was again well defended and two minutes later after a hotly disputed short corner saw Italy take the lead through a straight strike from the sweeper Chiara Tiddi.  In the 57th minute Bridget McKeever was harshy yellow carded for breaking down play and five minutes later a cross into the circle was deflected into the net by Francesca Faustini at the far post, giving keeper Goode no chance.  In the last roll of the dice Ireland withdrew their keeper to send on a extra attacking power but it was not to be.  Ireland now play Canada for the Bronze medal at 13.30 Canadian time (Irish Time 21.30) with Korea and Italy playing for the coved place in Beijing.

Starting XI: Mary Goode (GK), Shirley McCay, Bridget McKeever, Ciara O’Brien, Clare Parkhill, Eimear Cregan (Capt), Emma Clarke, Nikki Symmons, Jenny McDonough, Louisa Moore, Cathy McKean:
Rolling Subs: Lisa Jacob, Alex Speers, Julia O’Halloran; Emma Stewart, Cliodhna Sargent.

Further Match Details:http://www.olympicqualifierwomencanada.sportcentric.com/