Ireland beats Italy 4:1 and prevents relegation

August 27th, GANT EHC in Moenchengladbach, Italy - Ireland 1:4 (0:3)

27.08.2011 - The Irish women won 4:1 (3:0) against Italy. Because Azerbaijan lost its match against Belgium, Ireland prevented relegation. Three great attacks in the first half were enough to win the match.

Italy started well prepared and had the first chances. After a few minutes Ireland took control and the team of headcoach Gene Muller played three really strong minutes. Emma Clarke exploited the first chance of the Irish team in the 17th minute. Nicola Symmons and Aine Connery increased the Irish lead to 3:0 (19th/20th). In the second half Italy got stronger and Alessia Padalino scored after 43 minutes with a backhand shot.

Ireland didn`t become nervous and controlled the match. The last goal of the day was successfully scored by Shirley McCay two minutes before the end. After the final whistle the Irish women had to wait until the end of the Azerbaijan match, then they celebrated staying in the A-Division.

Goals:

0:1 Emma Clarke (17.)

0:2 Nicola Symmons (19.)

0:3 Aine Connery (20.)

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1:3 Alessia Padalino (43.)

1:4 Shirley Mc Cay (68.)

Penalty Corners:

ITA – / IRL 5 (1 goal)

Green cards:

Matilde Canavosio (35.); Chiara Padalino (53.) / Emma Smyth (44.)

Yellow cards:

Agata Wybieralaska (63.) / -

Umpires:

Eskina / Sanders