Classy Spain see off Ireland in Belfast

Spain were sharper from the start and had their first corner of the game in the eighth minute but that was well saved by McFerran.

Ireland had the final say of the quarter with O’Flanagan and then Mullan drawing a fine save from Spanish keeper Lopez.

Spain then took the lead in the 17th minute when a crash ball was superbly deflected into the roof by Carlota Petchame giving McFerran no chance.

They doubled their lead four minutes later when lovely touch by Beatrix Perez deceived McFerran.

Just before the half ended Ireland had a great chance when Evans pounced and set up Loughran but her shot went wide.

The third quarter was better from Ireland but they failed to break down the Spanish defence.

In the final quarter Spain forced their second PC in the 50m which was calmly taken off the line by Wilson.

As Ireland pressed forward Spain cut through the Irish defence to make it 3-0 as Alicia Magaz hit the target.

Ireland had a few chances to get back into the game but it was not to be as the Spanish held on to win the encounter against a disappointed Irela nd side.

The final game of the Phoenix Gas series, with Ireland leading by two wind to one, will be played at UUJ at 11am on Friday.

And Ireland Men beat Canada 2-0 in the first of four test matches between the sides

Both Canada and Ireland will be in the same Pool in Rio, so these are important games for both sides.

The first and second quarter the teams were evenly matched with the game scoreless at the half time break.

The fourth quarter saw Ireland camped in the Canadian half and Ireland got their first goal as a shot by Mitch Darling was deflected home by Michael Watt before John Jackson scored the second.