England Women defeat Ireland

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England 2 (2): Petty (15’, PC), Ansley (28’, PC)

Ireland 1 (0): Barr (43', PC)

England’s women’s team put in a clinical display to get off to the perfect start in their EuroHockey Championships with a 2-1 victory over Ireland.

Two goals from two penalty corners in the first-half gave the side a strong advantage with Suzy Petty in the right place at the right time for the opening goal before Giselle Ansley fired a sensational drag flick into the top corner.

Ireland got one back at the end of the third quarter as Beth Barr latched onto the end of a drag flick to take it past Maddie Hinch in goal to set up a tense final fifteen minutes.

As the clock ran down, both sides created good chances with resilient defending and a couple of smart saves from Hinch securing an opening game victory for England.