Smith bemoans stuttering attack

Ireland women’s coach Darren Smith admitted his side must sharpen their attack after they failed to qualify for World League 3.

Top seeds heading into a five-team tournament and needing to finish in the top two to qualify, Ireland had made life difficult for themselves with a shock 2-0 defeat to Belarus on Tuesday.

That meant they needed wins against both Spain and Italy, with their hopes rising after a dogged defensive performance and an Audrey O’Flynn penalty stroke gave them a 1-0 win against the hosts in Valencia.