Irish girls lose in dramatic circumstances

Ireland’s women discovered that form is no guarantee for success as they lost the final of the Atlantic Cup 3-2 to a last-minute golden goal by USA captain Tracey Fuchs in Virginia.

Having won all three group games – including a convincing victory over the hosts – Ireland started brightly and Lynsey McVicker scored her fourth goal in as many games in the 24th minute after running the length of the pitch.

Fuchs equalised six minutes into the second half but parity was short-lived as Eimear Cregan cracked home Ireland’s second, although Mimi Smith took the game into extra-time with another equaliser midway through the half.

And with the clock ticking down to a penalty stroke competition Fuchs converted the only penalty corner of extra time to clinch victory.

In the third place play-off eight different Scotland players scored as they hammered Mexico 10-0.

Vikki Bunce (two), Helen Walker, Claire Lampard, Linda Clement and Cath Stirling all scored in the first half, with Clement, Samantha Judge, Ailsa Young and Emma Rochlin all finding the net after the interval.

The tournament was staged as part of Ireland, Scotland and the USA’s preparations for next month’s World Cup in Australia.