WOMEN'S HOCKEY:Ireland 0 England 1

IRELAND PRODUCED a bright performance against England at Belfield yesterday, forcing a string of short corners and creating a number of goal-scoring opportunities, but a 14th-minute goal from debutante Jenny Hall decided the game in the visitors’ favour.

Railway Union’s Emma Smyth came on in the first half to make her senior debut for Ireland and came close to equalising in the second period when her reverse strike went just wide of the post.

Cathy McKean and Eimear Cregan also went close to scoring, with Emma Clarke and Nikki Symmons impressing in midfield for Gene Muller’s team.

Despite the defeat, Muller was upbeat about his side’s display. The coach said: “I’m pleased with the overall performance in which Ireland dominated for periods but suffered from a lack of finishing from play or set pieces.”

The sides meet again tomorrow at the same venue (11pm).

IRELAND:Mary Goode (GK), Louisa Healy (GK), Lauren Barr, Cliodhna Sargent, Bridget Cleland, Emma Stewart, Emma Clarke, Shirley McCay, Nikki Symmons, Cathy McKean, Emma Smyth, Roisin Flinn, Rachel Mulligan, Eimear Cregan, Lizzie Colvin, Megan Frazer.