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Irish Hockey

By John Flack

A last-gasp goal from Instonians' striker Mark Irwin helped Ireland storm back from three goals down to defeat Italy 4-3 in Rome yesterday.

The result meant that Ireland completed their two-match programme against the Italians with an unbeaten record.

On Saturday the sides fought out a 4-4 draw.

On that occasion it took a late equaliser from Stephen Butler, who finished with a hat-trick, to earn Ireland a share of the spoils.

Yesterday sloppy marking allowed Matias Lutpani to put Italy in front after only three minutes.

Three minutes later the same player scored from the penalty flick spot and things went from bad to worse for Ireland.

With 20 minutes gone Mirko Faggian scored with a neat deflection to leave the visitors with it all to do.

But Butler gave them some hope when he reduced the deficit in the 24th minute with a trademark penalty corner conversion.

Seven minutes after the re-start Andrew Barbour and Irwin combined to set up Justin Sherriff who made it 3-2.

In the 45th minute Butler struck again with another set-piece as Ireland drew level.

With four minutes remaining Sherriff turned provider and his reverse-stick cross was met by Irwin who grabbed the winner.

Irwin had also been on target in Saturday's game in which Ireland staged a great comeback after trailing 4-2 with just seven minutes remaining.

The weekend series was being used as part of the preparation for next month's European Nations trophy tournament being staged at the same venue.

Ireland stayed in the tournament hotel and had several run-outs on the same pitch they will encounter on their return visit.

The players and management team returned home last night in the knowledge that they will have to beat the Italians if they are to achieve their objective of booking their place in next year's World Cup qualifier.

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