Ireland produce improved performance

Gene Muller was left with much more to build on after the second of Ireland's two-match series with Germany in Nurnberg.

His side lost 4-2 but he was happier with the outcome, saying afterwards:

“I am very pleased with our play today. We played with real conviction and it showed on the pitch. The German's scored to make it 3-2 with five left on the clock and we conceded again in the last minute when we were chasing the draw. We had some very strong individual performances today.”

The sides went in at half-time at 1-1 Natascha Keller’s opening goal was cancelled out by Eimear Cregan’s 25^th international strike – squeezing in a cracking shot from a tight angle after Emma Smyth stole to set up the Irish skipper.

They continued to contest well, winning the only corner of the half just before the break but it flashed wide.

After the interval, though, Ireland were forced to soak up serious pressure, holding out three corners while Nikki Symmons (pictured) and Niamh Small were both green carded and Bridget Cleland sin-binned.

On her return, however, Janine Beerman pushed her side 2-1 ahead but Ireland responded instantly, Small going on a trademark run, eventually ended illegally to give Loreto club mate Symmons the penalty stroke to level.

It put Ireland in position to pull off a famous result with the game opening out. Germany finished stronger, though, Beerman netting a quick breakaway before Keller grabbed her brace with two minutes on the clock.