Sunday, December 14 – Dublin: The Ireland Women’s Hockey Team came up short against England despite another huge effort from the team, and support from the sidelines. England led early on, before adding a second in the final quarter. Caoimhe Perdue pulled a goal back from a penalty corner. Ireland pushed until the final whistle but couldn’t find a way to breach the English defence.
England began brightly, with Tessa Howard finding the back of the net in the fourth minute to put her side ahead. They continued to dominate possession for the remainder of the half, with Ireland’s efforts to get meaningful shots on goal coming up short.
England thought they had their second just before half-time from a penalty corner, but Ireland used their referral well, with the video umpire chalking the goal off.
Ireland, however, came into their own in the second half, much like their previous tie against Belgium, finding ways to break down the English press. But the visitors proved clinical, scoring through Holly Hunt to double their advantage.
Ireland’s Caoimhe Perdue pulled a goal back to set up a thrilling finish, finding the back of the net from a penalty corner with seven minutes remaining. But Ireland couldn’t break down the English resilience, and the visitors held out to get their first win of the campaign.
The Ireland Women’s Hockey team will return to action in February for their second FIH Hockey Pro League when they travel to Hobart, Australia.