The Ireland women’s hockey team will face relegation from the FIH Hockey Pro League after a 1-0 defeat to China on Saturday saw them at the bottom of the standings on ten points in their debut campaign at the tournament,
They will play in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, the global second tier, next season.
Ireland needed to secure at least a bonus-point draw against China in their final outing of the season to keep their hopes of remaining in the top-flight alive.
Ireland began on the front foot against the world number four team. China pressed high and turned the ball over, their delivery across the circle took a touch off an Irish stick, deflecting it goalward, giving China the early lead through Jiaqi Zhong.
Three late chances from China, one from a penalty corner and two from open play called Elizabeth Murphy into action to make three clutch saves to keep Ireland within a goal of the opposition.
Roisin Upton in action in Ireland’s narrow 1-0 defeat to China
In the second quarter, the aerial ball was Ireland’s most fruitful route to attacking opportunities, with Katie Mullan finding Niamh Carey inside the Chinese circle, forcing goalkeeper Haixuan Fang into action for the first time.
Ireland’s best effort came soon after, Niamh Carey using her pace out wide to drive into the circle and pull the ball to Emily Kealy who was denied by Fang, before Michelle Carey’s follow up was also blocked.
In the second half a skillful move from Niamh Carey saw her break into the circle and find Sarah Torrans who drew a foul to win a penalty corner.
Ireland came within inches of their equaliser after recovering possession, Mullan striking at goal on the half-turn, but Fang got the faintest of touches to divert the ball wide.
Ireland withdrew their goalkeeper as one last roll of the dice, but China held possession and eventually won a penalty corner forcing Ireland to defend it without Murphy in net. With one minute to play Ireland regained possession deep in their own half but couldn’t create a last attacking opportunity.