Ireland Complete Clean Sweep Over Scotland
Ireland made it three from three with a 4-0 win this afternoon in their final test match against Scotland which took place at Alexandra College this afternoon. Talking after the match Coach Darren Smith said "Scotland are a good team so it was a great opportunity to play against a high quality outfit. These three games were hugely beneficial giving everyone in the national squad a run as well as giving us another three quality test matches as we continue our preparation for World League 2 taking place in Ireland next March."
Commenting on what is next for this team Smith said "We have three more training camps, two in November and one in December, come January we will go into a warm weather training camp in Valencia as we continue to hone in on World League 2."
Ireland dominated the match throughout but it was ex Alexandra College student Deidre Duke who opened the Green Army's account with a tap in thanks to a setup from Nicci Daly. Just before half time Aine Connery pounced on a deflection giving Cochrane in goals no chance to make it 2-0. Scotland had their best chance of the half thanks to a penalty corner opportunity but Nicci Daly read it well picking up and clearing out to keep Ireland's sheet clean.
Ireland continued to apply the pressure and as the momentum built Aine Connery got a touch off a great right cross to make it three. The game was pushed way beyond Scotland's reach when Ireland scored their fourth and final goal when Anna O'Flanagan picked up the rebound from Emma Smyth's shot.
Ireland Starting XI: Emma Smyth; Shirley McCay; Megan Frazer (Capt); Naomi Carroll; Aine Connery; Ayeisha McFerran GK; Chloe Watkins; Nicci Daly; Hannah Matthews; Anna O'Flanagan; Gillian Pinder
Reserves: Stella Davis GK; Chloe Brown; Nicci Evans; Katie Mullan; Deirdre Duke; Kate Dillon; Emily Beatty
Scotland Starting XI: Nicki Cochrane GK; Sarah Roberston; Kareena Marshall; Rebecca Merchant; Nikki Kidd; Susan McGilveray; Alison Howie; Nicola Skarstin; Aileen Davis; Amber McNeil; Louise Campbell
Reserves: Kirsten Peters; Emma McGregor; Amy Brodie; Jenny Morris; Rowan Sinclair; Maisie Morris; Robyn Collins;