Sunday, June 21, 2009

Symmons' double provides perfect start for Ireland

An immense first half performance from Ireland in Kazan, Russia meant they got off to a perfect start in the Champion's Challenge II, beating the hosts 4-0.


All the goals came in the first half with Nikki Symmons (pictured) firing home two penalty corners either side of a field goal from club mate Lizzie Colvin - coming just three minutes after being sprung from the bench - tapping in her first international goal after Alex Speers burst down the right wing.

The latter pair of goals came while the Russians were down to 10 players, Evginia Sorokina the first of two Russians sent to the bin for a hefty tackle on Shirley McCay.

Lisa Jacob netted the fourth three minutes before half-time to complete the rout, deflecting home Emma Clarke's pass. Ireland head their group on goal difference after Ukraine beat Malaysia 2-1. The Eastern European side are Ireland's opponents on Monday afternoon, tipping off at 4pm (Russian time).

Ireland (vs Russia): Mary Goode, Lauren Barr, Bridget Cleland (capt), Lisa Jacob, Shirley McCay, Cathy McKean, Alex Speers, Emma Smyth, Emma Stewart, Nikki Symmons, Emma Clarke
Subs: Lizzie Colvin, Roisin Flinn, Megan Frazer, Niamh Small, Michelle Harvey

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

well done girls great start.... is eimear cregan injured? it says on the iha website that she was "rested"

Anonymous said...

Yes Eimear Cregan is injured. Turned on ankle in training pre tournament.