THE IRISH WOMEN’S hockey team retained their 100% record at an Olympic qualifying tournament in Belgium today, as they beat Mexico 5-0.

The tie was level at half-time, with Ireland struggling to open up an initially stubborn Mexican defence.

However, the floodgates opened in the second period.

Audrey O’Flynn and Emma Smyth both scored twice, in addition to a Cliodhna Sargent strike, thus ensuring a comprehensive victory.

Ireland are currently top of their pool, and now face a crucial match against top seeds Spain on Thursday.

Speaking after the match, Ireland coach Gene Muller told reporters:

“It was generally a frustrating match for us, we found it hard to create goal scoring chances in the first half, but we were more fluid and clinical in the second half.

“There are now only three teams who can win the tournament and our next two games against Spain are critically important.”

Ireland team: Pamela Smithwick, Nicola Symmons, Cliodhna Sargent, Sinead McCarthy, Audrey O Flynn, Emma Smyth, Lizzie Colvin, Emma Clarke, Alex Speers, Aine Connery, Nicola Evans.

Substitutes: Michelle Harvey, Shirley McCay, Nicola Daly, Chloe Watkins, Lisa Jacob.

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