Irish stage comeback

Ireland staged a late fightback to secure a 3-3 draw with Scotland in yesterday's unofficial hockey international in Banbridge…

Ireland staged a late fightback to secure a 3-3 draw with Scotland in yesterday's unofficial hockey international in Banbridge.

Goals from Richard Freeland and Kevin Squire (penalty stroke) put Scotland 2-0 ahead at the interval.

When Vishal Marwaha added a third goal in the 53rd minute, Ireland, who had lost Saturday's game 2-1, looked to be heading to another defeat.

However, goals from Neil Cooke, from the penalty spot, Dan Clarke and Alistair Dunne in the last three minutes rescued them.

READ MORE

Saturdays result will be the one which goes into the record books as Scotland prepared for next months European qualifier with their first win over the Irish for 12 years.

Julian Stevenson put the hosts in front after 32 minutes but a second half double from Philip Webster proved decisive.

Meanwhile, in Glasgow yesterday, an under strength Ireland team fought out a scoreless draw with Wales to finish third in the Under 21 Celtic Cup tournament after Brian Waring, David Smyth, Clark Kennedy and Gary Ringwood had been on the mark in the 4-0 win over Wales on Saturday.