Late Canada fightback secures draw

Canada rallied late from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw with Ireland A in the second of a five-game series at Belfield yesterday. The Irish second string again dominated proceedings, and looked to be cruising after Cork Harlequins’ Cliodhna Sargent’s short corner effort cannoned home off a defender after 20 minutes. Nicola Evans got on the end of a cross nine minutes later — her second in as many games — to give the hosts a two-goal cushion at the break. But in the second half Canada presented a far sterner challenge than they had on Monday, and a defensive error in the Irish circle allowed Thea Culley the chance to hand the visitors a lifeline with six minutes to go. Stephanie Jameson made Ireland the Irish pay again two minutes later, as she blasted home the Canucks’ only short corner of the game to salvage an unlikely draw. Canada will be glad of the confidence-booster as they face a step up in class at the weekend, when they take on the full Irish senior side three times.