Ireland draw a blank in Scots stalemate

Gene Muller admitted to having “mixed feelings” after watching his Ireland side out in a vastly improved shift at the EuroHockey Nations Championships, but still be held to a 0-0 draw by Scotland this morning. The South African felt this was a game where the full three points were left on the pitch, as his side pummelled the Scottish goal late on but found the final touch evaded their sticks at key moments. “I have mixed feelings. I was disappointed in the first half, in the second half it was fantastic. Scotland had a few more chances in the first half but in the second, we were unlucky,” he said.

“We had three or four opportunities we were unfortunate not to convert. It was a situation that needed a gear shift, and the players responded well. The defence really kept us in that game and gave us the opportunity to go for the win. “The result leaves us in contention. In a tournament you often rely on other results. We now rely on the Spain-Germany result to put us in a position to get us into the top four.” Ireland almost stole a win at the death, earning two penalty corners on the final hooter. But first Nikki Symmons’ shot was blocked by the immaculate Abigail Walker, and a second effort was squeezed wide by Irish skipper Eimear Cregan. Like Saturday’s loss to Germany, Ireland were slow out of the blocks, conceding six first-half penalty corners, one of which Shirley McCay was required to frantically clear off the line. They were, however, more tenacious in the tackle with Bridget Cleland leading the defensive line and as the nerves died down, Ireland began to enjoy greater possession, winning three corners, but despite some neat innovation at the top of the circle,  Walker stood firm. Ireland stepped up a further gear after the break and though Lauren Barr blocked Laura Bartlett’s goal-bound strike, the Irish dominated proceedings. Cregan provided a moment of inspiration to burn three tackles and get a shot away, while Lisa Jacob guided a volley just the wrong side of the post.

When the two late corner chances went begging, Ireland had to settle for a point. They have a shot at reaching the last four if they beat Spain on Tuesday, and will scarcely want to emerge from the pool stage having failed to hit the target at least once. IRELAND: M Goode, E Cregan (capt), E Clarke, E Stewart, B Cleland, S McCay, C McKean, N Symmons, E Smyth, L Jacob, L Barr Subs: R Flinn, A Speers, L Colvin, M Frazer, M Harvey SCOTLAND: A Walker, V Bunce, L Baxter, C Forrest, L Bartlett, H Cram, L Clement (capt), A Robertson, E Rochlin, E Maguire, L Fawcett Subs: A Bell, J Bryce, N Kidd, L Wrightson, R Ward