Sunday, April 27, 2008

OQT: Ireland 3 Malaysia 0

Ireland’s women got their Olympic hockey qualifying campaign off to a solid start as they dominated their encounter with Malaysia, winning 3-0 in Victoria, Canada.

The result was rarely in doubt after Clare Parkhill broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute firing home from Ireland’s fourth penalty corner.
Captain Eimear Cregan doubled the lead before the break with a tap-in after fine work from Jenny McDonough.

And McDonough was again the instigator just four minutes into the second half to warp up a simple win. Ireland were rarely threatened, giving up just one chance all day while they created a number of opportunities of their own, winning the penalty corner count by 7 to nil.
Ireland will next face Canada who lost to Italy 2-1 but their main rivals for the one available Olympic place will be Korea. They began their campaign with a 10-0 demolition of Uruguay.


Afterwards, coach Gene Muller felt it was a solid, if unspectacular start. "Tonight, we were workman like and professional. I was delighted with how many chances we created and I am sure that we will convert more of our chances as we continue through this tournament.
"Our priority for today was to start well and get a win and we did that so I am very pleased."

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