Butler goal gives Irish Euro boost

IRELAND have secured a spot in the 2009 EuroHockey Nations Trophy final – and with it a guaranteed promotion back up to the Championship in 2011 – by defeating hosts Wales 1-0 yesterday.

A goal from Ireland’s only penalty corner of the match from Stephen Butler was all that separated the two sides in what was a somewhat nervy performance from both teams conscious of the pressure to secure a coveted spot in the final.

Ireland’s best chance of the game came in the 20th minute when John Jackson displayed silky skills as his weaved passed three defenders into the circle before he was met with a bad tackle which was enough to secure Ireland their only penalty corner of the game. Stephen Butler was on hand to score his drag effort in what was his 76th goal for his country to put Ireland 1-0 ahead.

Wales continued to create chances but as they neared the scoring zones appeared to run out of ideas on how to get past the Irish defence in particular Lewis, Butler and Jackson.

Wales had a chance to rescue the game in the 68th minute when from their fourth penalty corner of the game, the drag flicker miscued his shot pushing the ball high above the bar.

Said Irish coach Paul Revington: “There was always a risk with the Champions Challenge II and this tournament being so close together that we would peak for one and not the other. We have managed to reach the final of both these major tournaments and hopefully we will go one better this time (Saturday Final).

“This group can be very proud, the last six weeks has physically been a huge ask (Celtic Cup; Champs Challenge; EuroHockey Trophy), this was a super team effort and both the management team and I are very proud of the team today.”

Ireland will now face either Russia or the Czech Republic in Saturday’s final at 5pm.

IRELAND: D Hartem, J Jackson, R Gormley (c), S Butler, J Brennan, J Jermyn, E Magee, G Shaw, T Cockram, A Sothern, T Lewis

Reserves: C Harte; D Hobbs; P Caruth; G McCabe; M Darling.