Ireland claims three points after strong performance

August 25th, GANT EHC in Mönchengladbach, Women: Azerbaijan – Ireland 1:3 (0:1)

25.08.2011 - Ireland started strong into the match and earned the first penalty corner after only two minutes of play and kept the pressure high. Azerbaijan barely crossed the middle line in the first 15 minutes of the match. Ireland was the dominant team, but had trouble penetrating the circle against a strong defence. Symmons and Jacob had the chance to score, but could not get the ball over the line.

Azerbaijan’s first circle penetration came as late as the 25th minute, but did not pose bring any danger to the Irish goal. The 32nd minute brought relief to the Irish fans: Michelle Harvey scored after a penalty corner. Ireland dominated also the second half right from the beginning and had more chances in the circle after the 50th minute. Lisa Jacob prepared a fine goal by Clarke and Symmons scored after incredible passing by her team mates with a lower back hand.

Azerbaijan scored after a PC two minutes before the final whistle – too late to endanger a well-deserved Irish vitory. Ireland‘s Coach Gene Muller was “delighted“ having won three important points and was happy with this team’s performance: “we have kept the concentration high during the whole match. “

Goals:

0:1 Michelle Harvey (32., PC)

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0:2 Emma Clarke (58.)

0:3 Nicola Symmons (63.)

1:3 Yoon Seon KIim (68., KE)

Penalty Corners:

AZE 3 (1 Goal) / IRL 6 (1 Goal)

Green Cards:

Mi Seon Aliyeva (14.), Yuan Gurbanova (20.) / Sinead McCarthy (27.)

Umpires:

Victoria Del Olmo / Valentina Tomasi