Sunday, August 17 – Monchengladbach: It was defeat in Ireland’s final outing in Monchengladbach against England. Having gone a goal down thanks to a fortuitous Tess Howard goal, Ireland drew level soon after through a smart Katie Mullan finish. England however, scored the decisive goal early in the second half to run out as 2-1 victors.
An even opening quarter saw both sides enjoy possession, with the majority of the battling occurring in midfield. Ireland, however, looked positive in possession as they attempted to unpick the English defence, but England produced answers.
England were quick out of the blocks in quarter two, immediately attacking Ireland with Tessa Howard finding the net.
Ireland responded well and almost pulled a goal back when Charlotte Beggs squeezed the ball through to Mikayla Power in the circle. Power’s shot squeezed through England goalkeeper Sabbie Heesh but hit the body of Katie Mullan on its way goalward.
Ireland would get their goal just a few minutes later. Niamh Carey turned well at the top of the circle and found Mullan free in the circle with work still to do. She eliminated her opposite number and lifted the ball deftly over Heesh to level the scoring.
England’s Tess Howard had the final chance of the half as she saw her reverse shot go wide of the post. The sides went into the half-time break locked at 1-1.
A difficult start to the second half saw Ireland concede early following a rare defensive mistake which forced Holly Micklem to come out of her goal and make an early save, but Darcy Bourne was quickest to the loose ball to fire into an empty net.
Once again, Ireland responded to going a goal down positively, immediately attacking the English circle with a chance going just wide of the back post.
Ireland had a shot on goal soon after, with Emily Keely’s shot bobbling just behind Sarah Torrans and the back post as England narrowly held onto their lead. Sarah Hawkshaw saw a chance also go wide as Ireland won the ball in the press inside the final three minutes of the third quarter.
Ireland had to defend early in the final quarter. A card for Ellen Curran saw the side reduced to 10 with England using the player advantage to penetrate the Irish circle and test Holly Micklem.
England won their first penalty corner of the match soon after, Holly Micklem saving the effort on goal.
Emily Kealy intercepted well with seven minutes remaining and drove up the pitch. She drew a foul from Elizabeth Neal resulting in a yellow card for the England player. Ireland substituted Holly Micklem to increase their outfield player advantage as they looked to equalise.
Ireland couldn’t create the chance on goal to draw level and England emerged as 2-1 victors.