Ireland beat Canada in opening FIH World Cup qualifier

Ireland’s FIH Hockey World Cup qualification campaign started brightly with a 5-2 victory over Canada in Santiago.

Goals from Adam McAllister, Jonny Lynch, Jeremy Duncan and two strikes from Lee Cole sealed the three points.

It was Canada who made a bright start and won the first penalty corner, but goalkeeper Jamie Carr was quick to thwart the chance.

At the other end, Matthew Nelson and Duncan both sent efforts just wide in the opening quarter.

Ireland grew into the game and broke the deadlock when McAllister’s low shot found the bottom corner.

Canada goalkeeper Ethan McTavish then made a good save to deny a quick second goal when Ben Walk sent an effort towards goal.

In the second quarter, Ben Walker turned at the edge of the circle to find space and passed across to Lynch, who converted from close range to give his side a 2-0 lead at the break.

Ireland continued their positive form after the restart and Walker remained lively and nearly turned provider for Greg Williams, but a smart save from McTavish denied him.

Williams did assist Ireland’s third goal though after finding Duncan, who pulled the ball through his own legs and into the back of the net.

Canada closed the advantage early in the final quarter as Rowan Childs netted following a penalty corner, but Ireland quickly cancelled it out through Cole’s penalty corner.

Canada responded again as Jude Nicholson showed good skill to finish, but Cole added a penalty stroke to seal Ireland’s success.