Top of table virtually assured after two big Irish wins

Anna O’Flanagan scores four goals in two days as Ireland beat Scotland and Belgium

Anna O’Flanagan: four goals in two games. Photograph: Rowland White/INPHO/Presseye
Anna O’Flanagan: four goals in two games. Photograph: Rowland White/INPHO/Presseye

Anna O’Flanagan’s four goals in two days helped Ireland to two hugely impressive wins at their Four Nations Invitational at the Merrion Fleet Arena.

On Saturday the striker netted twice in the second half in a 4-1 win over Scotland, with captain Megan Frazer weighing in with a double.

Yesterday Ireland ran up a 3-2 win against higher-ranked Belgium, thanks to a superb second-half performance, coming back from a goal deficit at half-time.

Anouk Raes gave Belgium an early lead only for O’Flanagan to bash home an equaliser. Jill Boon volleyed in the visitor’s second goal for a 2-1 scoreline at the break.

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Graham Shaw’s side, however, employed a stifling full press in the second half and it drew huge dividends in a dominant display. Katie Mullan slammed home to make it 2-2 and O’Flanagan got the winner from an excellent corner routine.

Ireland complete the group phase against Chile on Tuesday evening, with top of the table virtually assured.

Stephen Findlater

Stephen Findlater

Stephen Findlater is a contributor to The Irish Times writing about hockey