Ireland face uphill battle after defeat to England in EuroHockey Championship opener

Ireland’s Róisín Upton in action against Tessa Howard of England during the Women's EuroHockey Championships Group B match at Hockeypark in Mönchengladbach. Photograph: Frank Uijlenbroek/InphoIreland’s EuroHockey Championship campaign opened with a 3-0 defeat by England in Mönchengladbach on Friday afternoon, a bright start to the game by Sean Dancer’s team petering out as the English took control – and three of their chances.

Ireland’s high press had their opponents pinned back in the early exchanges, Naomi Carroll coming close to scoring when she controlled an aerial ball in the circle and fired a half-volley towards goal, Sabbie Heesh making a smart save. Soon after, Hannah McLoughlin put Niamh Carey through on goal after a driving run from the back, but Heesh came to the rescue again.

But that lively spell was short-lived, England taking the lead on eight minutes through a Grace Balsdon penalty stroke after Róisín Upton’s stick tackle on Alex Malzer. And it was 2-0 on 21 minutes, Tessa Howard deftly turning Holly Hunt’s strike past Ayeisha McFerran.

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