English Men defeat Ireland in European Championship: 4-2 – Hockey Update
Barry Middleton was the real architect of the triumph, as the Men’s hockey team of England has emerged victorious over the Irish line-up by 4-2 in the first round match of the European Championship that took place in Monchengladbach, Germany.
Jason Lee, the head coach of English team was quite satisfied over the results and applauded the role of those who rendered wonderful performances and made the victory possible. He stated, “It was a performance as we’d have predicted. It reflects how we’ve
been this summer but also how well Ireland has been playing. We saved some penalty corners today, which was good.”
Paul Revington, the Irish trainer expressed disappointment over the failure saying that they failed to show reasonable defence and conceded plenty of short corners. He further underlined, “I’m disappointed to concede so many penalty corners which put us
on the back foot. We did well to save a number but mentally conceding that many are tough.”
The Irish Men failed to impress the English players in the crucial event-opener and faced defeat. The main reasons behind the loss were individual errors and mistakes of that awarded the opposing side many chances.
Both the English and Irish teams landed onto the field with a mission to take either side down therefore started fast-paced game from the very early minutes. After missing many opportunities, the Irish side started back-to-back attacks and succeeded in their
efforts in the 14th minute of the mark. Christopher Cargo was the player who managed to take the ball at the top of the circle and volleyed a powerful shot into the goal. The English goalie has had no chance to stop the ball at any occasion.
After receiving first goal of the day, the English players came alive and adopted offensive approaches in the game. Matt Daly managed to drive the ball inside the 25-yard line and hit a low-flying shot at the roof of the goal in the 21st minute
and had it all even at one-each. It was the complete action from English and Irish Men in the first thirty-five minutes of play and they moved into the second with locking horns.
With nine minutes into the second half, Barry Middleton, the English skipper took the ball into the front after dribbling a couple of Irish defenders and slammed a powerful shot into the game, putting England ahead on the scoreboard.
Ashley Jackson of England and John Jermyn of Ireland converted one penalty corner each in the 50th and 61st minute of the match. With two minutes left on the clock, Barry Middleton scored another goal and sealed the victory for England
at 4-2.
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