Irish set for relegation scrap

Ireland were consigned to the relegation pool of the EuroHockey Nations Championships after they came out on the wrong end of an eventful 4-1 defeat to Spain. Cliodhna Sargent’s 17th minute penalty corner effort – which went in via an upright and a Spanish defender’s legs – cancelled out Maria Cruz’ early opener, raising Irish hopes of causing the upset needed to reach the tournament’s semi-final and the 2010 World Cup spot. Ireland were often the better side, but failed to take the remainder of their penalty corner chances, while Spain – acknowledged by Gene Muller as one of the best set-piece outfits at the tournament – fared better whenever Ireland slipped up inside the circle. An Olalla Pineiro reverse-stick wonder strike and a third from Ester Termens put Spain in a commanding position after the break, holding a 3-1 lead. That prompted coach Gene Muller to replace goalkeeper Mary Goode with an extra outfielder, as Sargent operated as a kicking back, in a last throw of the dice to save the game and perhaps a semi-final spot. But the risks of playing without a padded-up keeper cost Ireland the fourth goal in the dying stages, as Silvia Bonastre thundered home a corner. Ireland must now see off Azerbaijan and Russia in the relegation classification matches later this week in order to retain A division status.