Ireland picked up their first points in the FIH Pro League after beating England 4-3 in a tense shootout, following a 1-1 draw in Dublin.
Sarah Torrans put Ireland ahead in the first half, but Ellie Rayer brought England level in the third quarter. In heavy rain, both teams seemed content with a draw, but Ireland stayed calm in the shootout, with goalkeeper Lizzie Murphy making the winning save.
Ireland’s shootout scorers were Charlotte Beggs, Mikayla Power and Hannah McLoughlin, who scored twice. Darcy Bourne, Ellie Rayer and Lily Owsley converted for England.
Torrans said the team was “delighted” with the result, noting their strong start and the progress they are making.
Ireland, who lost to Belgium earlier in the week, controlled much of the first half. England had a great chance to score first, but Murphy saved a penalty stroke before Ireland took the lead through Torrans.
England improved after half-time and equalised thanks to good play from Tess Howard and Bourne, finished off by Rayer. With the score still tied by full-time, a shootout was needed.
The shootout included drama, with a timing dispute over one of England’s goals and multiple chances for Ireland to win it. In sudden death, McLoughlin scored again and Murphy saved Sophie Hamilton’s shot to seal it, though the keeper later left on crutches.
In the men’s match, England earned a bonus point with a shootout win over Belgium after a 2-2 draw.
