England beaten by Ireland in hard-fought test match
5th July 2014
Leading at half time, England Men conceded two second half goals and lost out 1-2 to hosts Ireland in a hard-fought and physical second test match on Dublin on Saturday.
The England coaching team were keen to try out a number of different formations, but Ireland defended strongly and, buoyed by their performance in Friday night’s performance as well as a vociferous crowd, managed to take the win.
Head Coach Bobby Crutchley said: “We’re obviously disappointed with the result, but this has been a great opportunity to try out a number of different options ahead of the Investec London Cup and the Commonwealth Games.
“We will learn plenty from our second half performance today, that I am sure that will benefit us in the long term.”
A trademark Ashley Jackson goal from a penalty corner on 31 minutes, the ball being flicked low into the goal after being injected by Iain Lewers, and England continued to play well throughout the first half.
Just six minutes into the second half Ireland pulled level. The ball was dribbled along the base line and lifted in towards Lain Lewers. Everybody stopped expecting a whistle, but it didn’t come and Michael Watt pounced to smash home.
The match remained level until the 67th minute, when Ireland won a penalty corner which was slipped in and deflected home by Watt again.
England took off goalkeeper George Pinner in place of a kicking back for the final three minutes, but despite dominating possession they couldn’t find a way back in to the game.