Ireland denied Junior Hockey World Cup last-eight spot by hosts South Africa

South Africa 1-0 Ireland

Ireland’s dream of a Junior World Cup quarter-final berth came to an end as a single Jean-Leigh du Toit goal saw hosts South Africa edge them out 1-0 in Potchefstroom.

After Saturday’s 2-1 Pool B loss to England, it was in the penalty corner realm where the game was lost again.

Coach David Passmore was left to rue "what happened in the circles" as his side put in a huge shift but could not take the big chances.

"I can’t fault the girls for their attitude and their application but we have to improve the delivery and accuracy of our penalty corners," Passmore said.

"It’s about now getting above our world ranking of 12th; we’ve got the possibility of finishing ninth and if we can get three wins now, it will be a good World Cup for us.

"We are disappointed to lose; we thought we could get out of this group and I think we have played well enough - I don’t think we were third best in this group but hockey is about what you do in the circles."

It was a tense affair in the first quarter with no chances accruing for either side. Mikayla Power and Nadia Benallal’s driving runs caused moments of danger but the South African defence held up well while Sarah McAuley was a big presence for Ireland.

The contest caught fire in the second period with the Junior Green Army nicking the first of three penalty corners in this phase. Siofra Murdoch’s reverse stretched Mishka Ellis to the limit while Sarah McAuley’s sweep at goal was well-taken off the line from Hanrie Louw at the left post.

But South Africa had the bigger openings. Du Toit served notice of her threat when her first corner shot went off Holly Micklem’s instep and hit the inside of the post.

Bianca Wood miscontrolled from a golden chance at the end of a