06 July 2009
Ireland’s women are out of the main competition in the Games but faced Poland today in a second round battle for rankings places
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They suffered a narrow one goal defeat in a closely contested contest against a solid Poland side. The first half was evenly balanced with both first half goals coming in the space of two minutes. The polish team managed to break the Irish defence on 31 minutes when a slip pass was met by Paulina Katazyna who beat Tiarna Mc Kenna in the Irish goal. The Irish responded immediately from the tip off when a shot from Rachael Furness from outside the box was spilled by the Polish goal-keeper and Zoe Doherty reacted quickest to apply the finish. |
In a game which was played in intense heat and humidity, fatigue began to set in the second half and a momentary lapse in the Irish defence allowed the Polish winger inside the Irish cover.  The ball was squared to Anna Zelazko who put the Poles in front once more. Ireland did fashion late chances which may on another day have earned them a result. Rachael Furness, Sarah Mc Grath and Rachael Jenkins were all heavily involved but the best chance of an equaliser came right at the death on 93 minutes when Mary Waldron’s rebounded effort flew over the bar after a shot from the edge of the six yard box. |
Ireland’s women now face South Africa in their next game.
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| by Aoife Herbert in Belgrade |
