No goals as Ireland and Canada fight out 0-0 draw in Cape Town

Ireland and Canada met for the fourth and final time of their warm weather series in Cape Town and there was to be no repeat of the six goals that Wednesday’s match produced.

However, the 0-0 scoreline doesn’t fully reflect the end to end action that ensued with plenty of chances for Ireland.

Youth and experience combined for the Green Machine with Robson and Glassey taking to the field alongside Mitch Darling, captaining the side, who earned his 150th cap for Ireland.

Neither team looked like scoring in the first half thanks to well-structured defences and experienced keepers between the posts for both sides.

Johnson, the scorer of both of Canada’s goals on Wednesday, was the first to challenge Fitzgerald with one of his trademark drag flicks but a confident save and subsequent quick clearance by Jackson dealt with the danger.

The only goal of the game was disallowed in the third quarter and Glassey was sent to the sin bin for an infringement, sending the Irish down to 10 men for the majority of the quarter.

The Green Machine won two corners in quick succession but Carter showed his experience between the Canadian posts, while his defence was quick to clear another Irish effort off the line.

The final quarter began with Canada seeing a shot fly wide off the post which was followed by a quick break up the pitch and Mikie Watt drawing a superb save from Carter. Ireland had two corners in the final minute but a goal wasn’t to be for either side today as the game finished 0-0.

Ireland next face Belgium – ranked fifth in the world – on Saturday.

Squad: Fitzgerald (GK), Gleghorne, Jackson, J Bell, L Cole, Robson, Glassey, O’Donoghue, Darling (Captain), Watt, Sothern, Carr (GK), Harte, Loughrey, Carlisle, Magee, Good, Watkins.