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A last minute goal from Ireland from Lisa Jacob secured a draw with Scotland after a hard fought encounter at Peffermill today, in both countries first build up game to August’s European Championships.

Ireland started strongly and could have taken the lead within a minute when Jacob’s effort was well saved Scotland keeper Cochrane, then after two minutes, Audrey O’Flynn opened the scoring with a well struck shot from a short corner.

The Scots fought back and came into the game, but Ireland continued to look dangerous and a reverse stick attempt by Jacob was deflected inches past the post.

At the other end, a Scotland counter attack almost lead to an equaliser, but Brodie who was unmarked at the back post was unable to connect with a dangerous cross ball and the chance was lost.

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After 15 minutes, another Ireland short corner led to the ball entering the net, but Nicola Gray’s well struck effort was ruled out for dangerous play.

Scotland then forced three short corners in a row, with Marshall and Ralph both coming close, but the Irish defence held firm.

Two minutes later, a great save by Cochrane from a Nicola Small shot kept the score at 1-0, and then Fawcett cleared an O’Flynn strike off the line.

Scotland finally levelled the scoring in the 30th minute thanks to a fine Nikki Kidd drag-flick which flew past Smithwick in the Irish goal.

Four minutes later, Cochrane again came to Scotland’s rescue with fine save from O’Flynn, and the half finished with the teams all-square.

Vikki Bruce did well to beat several players, but her shot was cleared off the line then Kidd went close from a short corner as both sides created chances.

Good interplay between Brodie and Robertson led to an Irish foot in the circle and Marshall came close from the resultant short corner.

Two minutes later, Kidd scored her second goal of the day to give the Scots the lead, with a carbon copy of her first.

With five minutes remaining, Cochrane once again saved her colleagues with a fine save from an O’Flannigan strike and it looked as though the Scots would record a fine victory, but with one minute remaining, the Irish grabbed an equaliser after good work down the left from Dillon left Jacob with a tap in.

After the game, Scotland manager Gordon Shepherd praised the efforts of his team and his interview can be heard here:

listen to ‘Gordon Shepherd’ on Audioboo

Ireland manager Darren Smith told The Edinburgh Reporter: ““We got out of the blocks pretty quick and put a bit of pressure on Scotland and deservedly took a one-nil lead, then I actually thought that the Scotland team controlled some periods of play. Them I thought in the second half we played well and got on top and ended strongly. It was nice to see four goals and two teams trying to play some attractive hockey and hold onto the ball and we were happy with the day.”
“We are here for three days, with two tests and we are back here tomorrow utilising this fantastic facility.”

The two meet again on Tuesday at 2pm.

Photographs by John Preece

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.