Carroll gives Ireland morale-boosting win over Japan

Ireland 1-0 Japan

Naomi Carroll's sixth-minute penalty corner goal earned Ireland a victory over world No 10 side Japan on day two of the SoftCo Series at Belfield.

It was a positive performance from the new-look side as they controlled the tie from start to finish with Carroll getting a delicate touch for the only of the game, using her quick reactions to see off the chance.

Ireland did create a number of other chances but were not able to get the final touch.

However, it was a hugely encouraging performance on the final lead into July’s World Cup.

As if to emphasise the current changing of the guard, recent retirees Shirley McCay, Hannah Matthews, Grace O’Flanagan, Lizzie Holden and Nicci Daly - amassing a combined 915 caps - were presented with mementoes for their incredible careers at half-time.

The win reversed Saturday’s 2-0 defeat in which Ireland had the upper hand in general play in quarters one and three but were not able to snag the goals required.

Japan, meanwhile, struck twice in the closing quarter with more clinical attacks and it is something coach Sean Dancer is keen to get in place.

"I thought we played really well today and certainly dominated the game," said Dancer.

"We are working hard on some of the decision-making and shot selection but it will click."

Dancer’s side are back in action on Wednesday in game three of the series at 5pm.

Ireland: L Murphy, S McAuley, Z Malseed, M Carey, R Upton, S Hawkshaw, K Mullan, H McLoughlin, S Torrans, C Perdue, E Curran

Subs: N Carroll, C Beggs, K McKee, E Getty, S O’Brien, D Duke, C Hamill, A McFerran