Ireland edge out Canada in World Cup qualifying

Ireland recorded their first win of the World Cup qualifying tournament in China with a 2-1 victory over Canada.

Dubliner Stephen Butler put them ahead a minute before half-time with a low penalty corner strike but the lead lasted until just three minutes after the interval.

Michael Lee deflected in Peter Short’s powerful cross from the right to draw Canada level but Mark Gleghorne smashed home a reverse-stick shot in the 42nd minute for the deciding goal.

The Irish then lost Cork Harlequins’ Mark Black to the sin bin for a bad tackle but they held on despite some late pressure from Canada.