India edged a thrilling second encounter with Ireland 2-1 at Pembroke, despite the hosts' best efforts to draw level in the closing minutes.
After losing the opening match in the series on Monday 4-0, the Irish came out of the blocks quickly. Early periods of possession allowed the hosts to settle into the game and produce chances. India, however, eventually producing a number of circle entries late in the opening quarter, but Ireland defended soundly to keep it scoreless
The first penalty corner of the game would go the way of India, with Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flick deflected wide by the Irish defensive penalty corner team.
Ireland responded, winning a penalty corner of their own which was well saved off Luke Madeley. The resulting long corner saw India steal the ball and break quickly, eventually breaking the deadlock when Lakra Shilanand finished off the smooth counter-attacking move.
Ireland’s intensity continued into the second half as they looked to find a route back into the game. Sustained pressure and good counter-pressing kept India pegged back deep in their own half for long periods as the Irish looked to break their way into the Indian circle. A rare attack from the visitors gave them an opportunity at goal which they didn’t squander, Dulpreet deflecting home on the back post to double their lead.
The home side responded almost immediately, however. An attacking move down the left almost straight from tip-off saw an inviting ball into the circle reach Louis Rowe, the Banbridge forward did well to find an inch of space and flick goalwards, squeezing the ball into the side netting
It was almost exclusively one-way traffic in the final quarter, with Ireland throwing every remaining ounce of energy at India as they searched for an equaliser. An incisive run from Mark McNellis and clever piece of skill won Ireland a late penalty corner and a golden opportunity to equalise with just seconds remaining. Luke Madeley’s effort from the corner looked destined to end up in the back of the net, but the attempt was parried wide thanks to a textbook save from the India keeper.
Both sides will now travel to Amstelveen to face the Netherlands in their next stage of the FIH Pro League. Ireland will face the Dutch on 11/12 June at 7pm (Irish time).
