Ireland got off to a perfect start in the first match of their Olympic Qualifying tournament against Malaysia in Canada.
Gene Muller’s side Ireland opened the game strongly, pressing hard from the Malaysian pass-back and forcing their opponents on to the back foot.
Ireland earned the first penalty corner of the game in the forth minute of play and a Nikki Symmons strike forced Mahmud to pull off her save of the day.
Ireland continued to dominate, Ciara O'Brien marshalling orchestrating proceedings from the back.
The sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 22nd minute. A fourth corner for Ireland saw a dummy shot laid off to Clare Parkhill to strike. Her shot rebounded off the keeper into the roof of the net.
Ireland's sixth corner of the half saw captain Eimear Cregan react fastest to convert a rebound and double the advantage just before the interval.
After just five minutes of the second half Cathy McKean put the result beyond doubt when she latched on to Jenny McDonough’s pass and lifted the ball beyond the reach of the Malaysia keeper.
Contented coach Gene Muller commented afterwards: ‘We were workman like and professional.
‘I was delighted with how many chances we created and I am sure that we will convert more of our chances as we continue through this tournament.
‘Our priority for today was to start well and get a win and we did that so I am very pleased.’
Match Schedule:
Sunday 27 April
Ireland v Canada 22.30
Tuesday 29 April
Ireland v Uruguay 20.30
Thursday 1 May
Ireland v South Korea 20.30
Saturday 3 May
Ireland v Italy 16.30
Sunday 4 May
Classification Matches
