Ireland 2-1 ItalyIreland held out for a 2-1 victory against Italy in their second pool match in the Women's FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Valencia on Monday morning.Having suffered defeat to Spain in their opening match, a blistering third quarter of sustained pressure paid dividends for Sean Dancer’s charges with goals from Naomi Carroll and Katie Mullan putting the girls in green two goals to the good after a cagey first half.Ireland had much of the play in the opening stages but there was a lack of goalscoring opportunities as Italy seemed happy to defend and feed off scraps when turning over in the press.After the half-time break, though, Ireland’s speed and fitness came to the fore and Roisin Upton, who won her 100th cap, was particularly effective when coming out of defence.Indeed, the link between Upton and player of the match Mullan was twice the creative element Ireland required; first in the 35th minute when Upton beat a player and popped a pass to Mullan who posted up to the top of the circle.
Mullan then turned and hit to the back post off her right foot where Naomi Carroll was perfectly positioned to tap in through the goalkeeper’s legs.Ireland seemed to play with renewed energy after the opening goal and were rewarded for their pressure when Upton again linked up with Mullan, this time from a long pass but again with Mullan making a run back to receive.She juggled between two defenders and showed great strength to hold them off as she brilliantly lifted it over the 'keeper.It was a strong Ireland performance that was not dulled by an attacking finish from the Italians, who pushed for a result in the last quarter and scored a consolation goal in the final minute.They were awarded a penalty corner, which Ireland