Ireland 3-1 Spain
Ireland rounded off their penultimate FIH Hockey Pro League stage with a 3-1 win over Spain in the Netherlands.
The sides had played out a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, but Ireland were easily the better side this time around as they took victory.
A goal from Emily Kealy, her first in a green shirt, broke the deadlock. Niamh Carey’s sublime reverse stick strike doubled the lead in the third quarter before Sarah McAuley added a third, deflecting in a penalty corner.
A late Spain goal gave them a brief glimmer of hope, but Ireland quelled any hopes of a comeback to secure a crucial three points in their bid to remain in the FIH Hockey Pro League next season.
After Aisling Utri won a penalty corner for Ireland, a scramble followed and Kealy reacted quickest to nudge the ball into the net as she opened her international account.
Ireland’s second goal came after Ellen Curran took a quick free-hit, dribbled past two players and passed to Niamh Carey who found the net.
It was soon 3-0. Michelle Carey won a penalty corner from which Roisin Upton flicked at goal, finding McAuley who deflected over Spain goalkeeper Clara Perez.
Spain withdrew their goalkeeper from the off in the final quarter, allowing them an extra outfield player as they searched for a way back into the tie and with just over six minutes remaining, they found a way through with Lucia Giminez reacting well to net.
The victory sees Ireland climb to sixth in the FIH Hockey Pro League standings and put some distance between them and Australia at the bottom of the table.
Ireland will now turn their attention to Berlin where they will play their remaining matches, facing Germany and China, starting on Tuesday, 23 June.