Symmons avoids ban as Muller preaches caution

Key midfielder Nikki Symmons has avoided suspension for Ireland’s crucial EuroHockey Nations Championship with Russia tomorrow morning (7.30am, Irish time). Symmons was yellow-carded in the 4-1 loss to Spain and yesterday’s 2-1 win over Azerbaijan, which left her facing the prospect of a one-game ban. However, given the first was for dissent and the latter for breaking down play, the review panel has instead given her a written warning. Ireland can produce a best-ever European finish of fifth if they beat the Russians today, thanks to Thursday’s victory over the Azeris in the relegation pool. However, a loss could see Gene Muller’s side relegated to Europe’s B division, depending on the outcome of Scotland’s clash with Azerbaijan.

A 4-0 win over the Russians in June would suggest Ireland are favourites tomorrow, but Muller insists that result will have no bearing this time around. “It has no relevance, whatsoever. That was Russia’s first international match in a long time. Since then, they’ve played ten times so it will make no difference for them. We must guard against complacency,” he said. “We scored all our goals in a 15 minute patch and everything we put on target, we scored. It’s really academic to me and the team as well.” A late Alex Speers strike ensured Ireland’s win on Thursday. Symmons had givren them the lead with a 24th-minute drag-flick, but a superb Zhun Mammodova effort early in the second half put the Azeris back on an equal footing. Despite coming off second best for most of the half, Ireland found a winner with six minutes to go, Pegasus forward Speers sliding in to score after Megan Frazer’s initial effort had been half-blocked.