Ireland 0 – 4 India
Dublin, Monday June 2: World #5 and Olympic Bronze Medalists India came away as 4-0 winners in this evening’s match of the India series in Pembroke Wanderers, Dublin. Ireland and India fans alike were treated to an entertaining matchup, with India scoring twice in the opening quarter, before adding a third before half-time and the fourth in quarter three to put the game out of reach.
A lively start to the match saw India launch into an immediate high press. Early attacking pressure from the visitors called the Irish defensive line into action early on. India eventually managed to break the deadlock, however, with Mandeep Singh latching onto a pullback from the baseline to find the net on the back post. They added a second soon after, with Harmanpreet Singh dispatching a penalty corner to double their lead before the end of the first quarter.
Ireland grew into the game in the second quarter, applying pressure of the own early on and winning a number of penalty corners for their effort following some smart attacking play from Fergus Gibson and Adam McAllister. Luke Madeley’s first effort forced a good save, with the second penalty corner resulting in a miss trap. Despite the pressure, India did eventually add a third to their tally, Dilpreet Singh latching onto a loose ball to fire home on his reverse.
The chances continued to come in the third quarter with the game beginning to open up more. India flashed an inviting ball across the Irish goal early on, followed by a superb piece of attacking play for Ireland providing Jermey Duncan with an opportunity to open the scoring for Ireland, but his flick from a tight angle glanced off the crossbar. A fourth would eventually come for India just before the final quarter to put the game out of reach.
There was still plenty for spectators to enjoy going into the final quarter, with Ireland growing further into the game. The home side kept India pinned back for large periods with Ireland’s attacking threats making their way into the circle on several occasions. India held firm however, to maintain their clean sheet.
Ireland and India will meet again tomorrow, June 3, in Pembroke for the second and final game of the India Series before both sides depart for the Netherlands for the next stage of the FIH Pro League.