By:
Conor Martin
India held off a late attacking assault from the Ireland men’s hockey team to win 2-1 and complete a series win in the Irish capital.
Ireland were beaten comfortably 4-0 on Monday and needed a significant improvement if they were to salvage anything from the two-match series.
India won a hockey bronze medal at last year’s Paris 2024 Olympics and currently sit in fifth in the world rankings. Ireland are in 10th place in the FIH Men’s World Ranking.
Ireland made the quicker start in game two as they looked for an improved performance compared to the showing they delivered in the series opener. They soon settled and found themselves creating chances, but couldn’t find the Indian net.
At the other end, India had their own chances. But to Ireland’s credit, they dug deep to keep the game level.
The game really came to life when India won the first penalty corner of the game in the second quarter. Harmanpreet Singh saw his drag-flick tipped wide by the Irish defensive penalty corner team. Determined not to let the Indians get the upper hand. Ireland responded, winning a penalty corner of their own. Luke Madeley saw his fierce strike well-saved by Suraj Karkera as Ireland started to wonder what else they needed to do to find a goal.
However, the game wouldn’t be scoreless for long. Ireland were caught on the break following a long corner and Lakra Shilanand did the needful to put India a goal up.
Desperately trying to keep the series alive, Ireland started the second-half camped in the Indian half. But continued to be frustrated by India’s defence. They were soon made to pay for not taking their chances when Dilpreet Singh managed to get in at the back post to double India’s advantage over Ireland.
Ireland men’s hockey team battle to the end
That goal could have put the game and series to bed. But Ireland would soon be celebrating a goal of their own at last. The Irish response to India’s second goal of the contest was pretty much instantaneous. Louis Rowe, the goalscorer, brought Ireland back into the tie.
Ireland then threw the kitchen sink at India as they looked for an equaliser. And they almost got one. Mark McNellis did well to win a late penalty corner, giving Ireland one last chance. Unfortunately, a leveller wouldn’t come. Madeley launched a goal-bound effort but saw his shot saved by the Indian goalkeeper Karkera as Ireland narrowly went down to a 2-1 loss and a series defeat.
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