Hockey Under-21 The Irish women fought back from 2-0 down against Spain to rescue a point in their opening game of the Under-21 European Championships at Belfield last night, with goalkeeper Shauna Frey providing an outstanding - and timely - performance. As Spain pressed in the closing five minutes to try to snatch a late winner, Frey ensured Ireland still have a chance of finishing in the top six and securing a place in next year's World Cup in Santiago, Chile.
Spain opened the scoring, Olalla Pinero beautifully hitting a reverse stick shot from the crown of the circle into the roof of the net on 25 minutes. Lucia Antona added the second, scooping in on 37 minutes.
It was then Ireland staged their comeback with Christine Quinlan deflecting the home side's first corner on 20 minutes, before Karen Hales equalised at her team's third short corner after 54 minutes. In a grandstand finish, the Irish defence was stretched thin at times but held the fancied Spanish for an encouraging result.
The team, however, will be under no illusions when they face Scotland tomorrow in their second pool match. The Scots fell narrowly 2-1 to probable semi-finalists, Holland, last night and could easily have snatched a draw in a very tight game.
In the men's event which is taking place in Nivelles, Belgium, Ireland started their campaign brightly with a 1-0 win despite a testing performance from Scotland, which forced the best from Irish goalkeeper Gareth Lennox.
The team, captained by Ronan Gormley, opened their first match of the tournament strongly and had the best of the initial exchanges, YMCA's Andrew Walker getting in an early shot and winning a short corner to provide some early action for the Scottish goalkeeper.
But Scotland reacted well to Ireland's strong start and played constructively enough to have Ireland on the back foot for the next 20 minutes, their playmaker Stephen Dick orchestrating many of their attacks.
But, shortly after the half-time break, Mark Gleghorne forced Ireland's goal following an attack down the left flank. It was a crucial strike and ultimately gave Ireland the win they were hoping for in their opening match.
Eugene Magee and Phelie Maguire produced standout performances while the Irish defence held firm as Scotland pressed desperately in the closing stages of the game.
Ireland now face a fancied English side today in their second match before a tough test against the Dutch in their final pool game later in the week.
WOMEN: Ireland 2 (C Quinlan, K Hales), Spain 2 (O Pinero, L Antona). MEN: Ireland 1 (M Gleghorne), Scotland 0.
