Hockey: Ireland 1-4 Argentina (w)

• Ireland 1 (0) Julia O'Halloran 38FG
• Argentina 4 (2) Maria Barrionuevo 5m pc; Carla Rebecchi 35m op; Agustina Garcia 40m; Rosario Luchetti 47m

Ireland played Argentina, the world number 1's tonight in the first of a double header in UCD, in their final preparation matches ahead of the EuroHockey Nation Championships.

Ireland can hold their head's high after a respectable performance this evening, which saw Luciana Aymar notch up her 306th cap for Argentina. The visitors got off to an early start with Barrionuevo converted on her sides first penalty corner attempt. But this early goal did not seem to upset the girls in green as they made a few early threats particularly through Watkins and Clarke in midfield.

Ireland dealt well with the pace of Argentina in the first half and as the clock ticked towards the 35minute mark the girls looked for a way through the Argentinean defence but on the half way mark Argentina showed great pace and skill as Rebecchi with style weaved into the circle to slot home for 2-0 at half time.

Ireland did not wait long to put their own mark on the score board and just 3 minutes into the second half O'Halloran got on the end of Ireland's only goal. Despite some querying the goal stood as Ireland closed the gap to 2-1. Ireland continued to create chances but could not match the finishing style that Argentina displayed as they notched up two further goals the third by Garcia who weaved in to score in the 40th before Luchetti capitalised after they stole the ball off the Irish defence drawing in the defenders and slotting home the 4th and final goal.

Commenting after the match Coach Muller said "Tthese games are useful for us as we benefit off their quickness and sharpness. I was quite happy with the interplay of our forwards today but defensively we were average. Overall, I am very happy that we have the opportunity to play these matches."

• Ireland: Pamela Smithwick GK; Michelle Harvey; Miriam Crowley; Cliodhna Sargent; Emma Smyth; Emma Clarke; Alex Speers (C); Shirley McCay; Lisa Jacob; Niamh Small; Julia O'Halloran; Aine Connery; Nicola Symmons; Audrey O'Flynn; Chloe Watkins; Lizzie Colvin

• Argentina: Rosario Luchetti; Ana Rodriguez Perez; Luciana Aymar; Agustina Garcia; Carla Rebecchi; Delfina Mernio; Maria Aladro GK; Delfina Merino; Maria Aladro GK; Rocio Sanches MOccia; Daniela Sruga; Sofia Maccari; Jimena Cedres; Mariela Scarone; Maria D'Elia; Martina Cavallero; Maria Barrionuevo; Ann Lopez Basavilbaso

Next Match:

Ireland v Argentina 4pm UCD