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Irish Hockey

By John Flack

IRELAND 2 BELGIUM 0

RIET Kuper had mixed emotions after this victory at the National Hockey Stadium which will hardly instil undue confidence ahead of next week's European Nations Cup tournament at the same venue.

Ireland frittered away chance after chance against second rate opposition but they won't be able to afford a repeat performance when the stakes are higher.

Kuper has set her stall out for a semi-final place which would guarantee an automatic slot in the World Cup qualifiers in Rome next April.

But she must know in her heart of hearts that to beat Spain in Dublin on Tuesday week - which would be a prerequisite - those chances must be put away.

The Dutchwoman explained: "I was pleased with our discipline but I was very disappointed with the amount of wasted chances.

"We showed that we are a class above the Belgians but we should have beaten them about 7-0."

Ireland will have another opportunity to put things right when they play the Belgians again today (12 noon).

Yesterday, Belgium keeper Stephanie Depuydt was the busiest woman on the pitch as she pulled off a host of saves.

The only surprise was she kept her goal intact until the 25th minute.

Ballymoney's Lynsey McVicker got the goal which broke the deadlock - a fine solo effort after a 30 metre dash from the former Northern Ireland sprint champion.

Belfast Harlequins striker Jenny McDonough almost made it two when her deflected effort rebounded off the woodwork before the break.

It was Jenny Burke who wrapped things up on 50 minutes when she got number two after an assist from Ciara O'Brien.

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