Loreto claim third in dramatic fashion

EuroHockey Club Champion's Trophy
Loreto 0 Izmaylova Moscow 3
Loreto again struggled to convert possession into goals but managed to take third place in the group – meaning they will finish above their pre-tournament ranking of eighth seed – courtesy of an amazing late three goal from La Gantoise in the group’s other game.

Moscow scored from their first corner following a trio of saves from Louisa Healy and Nikki Symmons and were stung again by a superb reverse-stick shot from the left of the circle for 2-0.

Catriona Tipping saw one effort well-saved while corners in the 11th and 12th minutes were also kept out and the Dubliners were made to pay just before the break when they were dispossessed playing the ball around the back for the Russian side to notch their third just before the break.

In the second half, Loreto earned a further four corners to pull back a goal which would have earned a losing bonus point. One of those resulted in a 60th minute stroke but Symmons hot streak from the spot was ended.

It left Loreto on tenterhooks, hoping for the Belgians to win by three clear goals against Kelburne to escape Sunday’s wooden spoon play-off.

The Ghent club achieved that target with 55 minutes gone but, needing to win by six to top the group, took off their keeper in a bid to go through, further raising the nervous tension in the stands.

No matter, La Gantoise notched three goals in a whirlwind finish to take first place with while placing Loreto third. They find out their opponent later this afternoon but will play at 9.45am on Sunday.

Standings: 1. La Gantoise 12pts (+9) 2. Izmaylova Moscow 12pts (+9) 3. Loreto 2pts (-6) 4. Kelburne 2pts (-12)