Ireland suffered a 2-1 defeat to world number three-ranked Belgium on their FIH Pro League debut in Abbotstown this afternoon.
Ireland were always going to be under pressure in this game and thats the way it played out, with chances for the home side at a premium throughout.
After a scoreless opening quarter, the visitors took the lead midway through the second quarter, with Ambre Ballenghien finding the net after a swift counter that stretched the Ireland defence.
Early in the second half, Belgium got their second goal, this time attacking from deep inside their own half with short clinical passing and Ballenghien was on hand for her brace. The Belgian found a pocket of space inside the circle and managed to swivel and shoot past Ireland keeper Lizzie Murphy, who got a hand to the shot but was unable to keep it out.
The home side played well for the remainder of the game, with both Katie Mullan and captain Sarah Hawkshaw having efforts on goal.
Eventually, Ireland were rewarded for their efforts inside the final 30 seconds. After forcing a host of short corners, Ellen Curran deflected home a Hannah McLaughlin sweep to send the fans home with something to cheer.
Ireland play their second game of the tournament tomorrow afternoon against England, who also suffered defeat to Belgium this week, losing 3-1.
Looking ahead to the game, Hawkshaw said: "We're going to take a lot of confidence from the last third of that game.
"We were probably a bit slow to start and gave Belgium too much respect.
"They have some absolute world class players and if you give them time and space, they'll execute.
"We need to step up and be more aggressive. We did that at the end and we'll take that confidence into tomorrow."
