Dec 13,2024
Ireland began their second season in the FIH Pro League with a thrilling 3-3 draw with England in Argentina.
Ireland, who will play England and Argentina twice, shared the points at Santiago Del Estero, with England taking the bonus point with a 3-2 success in the shootout.
Mark Tumilty's side took the lead in the game after just four minutes when Adam Walker slotted a penalty corner into the net on his international debut.
That advantage was doubled when Conor Empey broke down the field and found brother Ali, whose effort was saved, but fell to Jonny Lynch to finish off.
Despite a resolute defensive display, England pulled one back from a penalty corner after Luke Roleston made the initial save.
Lee Cole restored Ireland’s two-goal cushion two minutes later, winning and converting a penalty stroke.
However, England pulled their goalkeeper with seven minutes remaining in favour of an additional outfield player and put the man advantage to good use, scoring two goals in quick succession to level the game and share the points.
In the bonus-point shootout England came away as 3-2 victors, with Darragh Walsh and Jonathan Lynch converting as Ali Empey, Ben Walker and Conor Empey had their efforts saved.
Speaking after the game, head coach Mark Tumilty said England’s tactical decision in chasing the game upset the Irish approach.
''England taking their goalkeeper off caused a challenge for us down the right-hand side of the pitch," he said.
"We didn't defend the outside of the pitch, and we got eliminated in one versus one situation. To give a guy like Zachary Wallace that much space; you are going to get punished, but there are a lot of positives."
Ireland: James Milliken (GK); Ben Pasley; Luke Witherow; Nicholas Page; Lee Cole; Tim Cross; Daragh Walsh; Peter McKibbin; Kyle Marshall (C); Ben Walker; Ben Nelson.
Subs used: Adam Walker (4 mins); Jonathan Lynch (4 mins); Peter Brown (6 mins); Mark McNellis (6 mins); Alastair Empey (7 mins); Conor Empey (6 mins); Luke Roleston (GK) (31 mins)
England: James Mazarelo (GK); Nicholas Park; Jack Waller; Zachary Wallace; James Albery; Stuart Rushmere; Timothy Nurse; Conor Williamson (C); Will Calnan; Sam Hooper; Matthew Ramshaw; Thomas Sorsby.
Subs used: Rohan Bhuhi (3 mins); Jacob Payton (3 mins); Jack Turner (3 mins); David Condon (3 mins); Rory Penrose (3 mins).
