HOCKEY: Ireland men fall to narrow defeat to India in Valencia

Despite claiming the lead with Kyle Good’s opening goal, India hit back with strikes from Talwinder Singh and Sardar Singh.

The Green Machine began the game at a blistering pace with Mitch Darling and Mikie Watt linking up on more than one occasion to cause havoc down the right wing.

The Irish needed just four minutes to get on the scoresheet when John Jackson’s pinpoint reverse shot across the circle found the waiting Good who calmly deflected goalward.

India’s opening goal came in the 19th minute courtesy of Talwinder Singh when an initial penalty corner drag flick was saved by David Harte but Singh pounced on the rebound to draw the game level.

Two minutes into the second half and the experienced Sardar Singh gave his side the lead as he got on the end of a crash ball into the circle and sent the ball high into the net.

Teams have a rest day on Wednesday before Ireland face Spain at 7pm on Thursday.