Jacob strike ensures top spot

Lisa Jacob's (pictured celebrating UCD's ISC win) 18th minute, penalty corner goal against Malaysia - in combination with Ukraine's 2-1 win over Russia - meant Ireland topped their Champion's Challenge II group in Kazan early this morning.

The Wexford native defelcted home Shirley McCay's bash from Ireland's second corner of the day for her second goal of the tournament. The Irish largely controlled play but made for a nervy second half when conceding a number of corners after the break while failing to capitalise on a two minute spell which yieled four offensive corners.

Gene Muller, however, was happy that the primary objective for the tournament was acheived: “Malaysia is a greatly improved side and it was a difficult test. Our defence has been superb over the last three matches and we survived their attacks and corners. We are in the last four which is where we were aiming to be after the pool stages.”

Ireland will now play either Belgium or India in the semi-finals on Friday (3pm, Irish time); their opponent dependent on results this afternoon.

Ireland: Emma Gray, Lauren Barr, Emma Clarke, Bridget Cleland, Lisa Jacob, Shirley McCay, Niamh Small, Cathy McKean, Alex Speers, Emma Stewart, Nikki Symmons

Subs: Lizzie Colvin, Michelle Harvey, Roisin Flinn, Megan Frazer, Emma Smyth

Rested: Mary Goode (GK), Eimear Cregan (Capt)

Group B final standings (points, goal diff): 1. Ireland 7pts (+5) 2. Ukraine 7pts (+2) 3. Malaysia 1pt (-2) 4. Russia 1pt (-5)