Ireland 1 Belgium 2
Ireland’s Mia Jennings in action against Belgium’s Lien Hillewaert during the FIH Women’s Hockey Pro League match at the Sport Ireland Campus. Photo: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Jessica McMaster of Ireland takes a selfie with supporters. Photo: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Ireland women’s hockey team opened their first FIH Pro League campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Belgium in front of a sold-out crowd at the Sport Ireland Campus in Abbotstown.
Facing the World No 3 side, the hosts went into the game as outsiders and predictably, it was the Belgians who set the early pace.
After a scoreless opening quarter, the visitors took the lead midway through the second quarter with Ambre Ballenghien finding the net after a swift-counter attack.
Early in the second half, Belgium’s pressure paid off when they doubled their lead after Ballenghien struck again – sweeping a strike past Ireland goalkeeper Lizzie Murphy.
Jessica McMaster of Ireland takes a selfie with supporters. Photo: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
After this, the home side regrouped and began to enjoy more possession with both Katie Mullan and captain Sarah Hawkshaw going close to opening their account.
Ireland’s pressure was eventually rewarded after they had forced a series of short corners with Ellen Curran deflecting home a Hannah McLaughlin shot. Up next is a clash tomorrow with England who suffered a 3-1 loss to Belgium earlier this week.