Hockey - Ireland V Spain

Ireland started strongly and were rewarded early on with a penalty corner. The ensuing drag flick was powerfully executed by Audrey O'Flynn, putting Ireland into the lead 1-0 in the 9th minute. Ireland continued the pressure with a second penalty corner awarded minutes later which was saved by Spain's keeper Ruiz.

Ireland continued to capitalise with a crash ball from Pinder in the 18th minute which was narrowly missed by Mullan making a sprint to the back post. Spain gathered themselves and came back at Ireland with a penalty corner awarded in the 22nd minute. Ireland defended adeptly with Duke clearing from the goalmouth. Spain continued the pressure but a second penalty corner was again thwarted by the strong Irish defense. Ireland continued to soak up the pressure and finished half-time with one goal ahead of their opponents.

The Green Army had a strong start to the second half, securing a penalty corner within minutes of the restart. Another O'Flynn drag flick was expertly saved off the pads. This closely contested game continued with end to end possession which the Spanish team capitalised on with a goal from open play, the opportunity taken by Magaz in the 46th minute. Ireland faced disappointment immediately afterwards as an Irish goal from O'Flanagan was disallowed due to a false restart.

The match continued with end to end play, both sides failing to capitalise on the opportunity presented. Despite some intense pressure from the Ireland team in the dying minutes, the match finished up with a goal apiece. Ireland 1, Spain 1.

Ireland are back in action on Saturday against France at 2pm.