Ireland dispatch Ukraine 5-1 in Olympic qualifier

Ireland 5-1 Ukraine

Ireland's men got their Olympic qualification tilt off to a perfect start with a 5-1 hammering of Ukraine in Dublin this evening.

The hosts dominated possession early on though had to wait until the 25th minute to open the scoring, Ben Johnson rattling home from a penalty corner. Monkstown's Lee Cole doubled the lead four minutes later, following some good approach play involving man of the match Daragh Walsh.

Ukraine pulled one back immediately, drag flicker Viacheslav Paziuk converting at the penalty corner. Emboldened, the visitors started the third quarter strongly, forcing a procession of long corners which Ireland successfully repelled.

After a goaless third quarter, the home side ran riot in the fourth. After a neat zig-zagging move involving Johnson and Jeremy Duncan, Ireland were awarded a penalty corner. The Ukranians disputed the call, using a referral, but the video umpire endorsed the original call.

The visitors lost their referral and promptly fell 3-1, Cole drilling home his second from the resultant penalty corner.

Duncan, entering the centurion club with his 100th cap, capped a memorable evening to make it 4-1 with his 20th international goal.

Walsh put a further gloss on the scoreline, capping a fine personal performance to make it 5-1.

Duncan, who described his 100th cap as a "proud day for my family", swiftly turned his attention to the challenge of World No. 2 Belgium on Monday.

"It's going to be a tough task, as will be the final group game against Japan. If we can keep a clean sheet against Belgium [as our women did] we'll be in a very good place."

Earlier in Group A, favourites Belgium gave notice of their credentials with a thumping 7-0 win over Japan, hitting top spot on goal