There weren’t many clear-cut chances in the opening half as both teams looked happy at times to slow the game down due to the heat and humidity. Paul Gleghorne and Jonny Bell controlled the back line for Ireland, and tried to create opportunities with pinpoint passes as the English press rarely ventured over the half way line in the opening exchanges. In the 8th minute it looked as if Mark Gleghorne had given England the lead from a penalty corner drag flick but an umpire referral found the ball hadn’t left the circle and the goal was disallowed. Jamie Carr made a smart reaction save as Ian Sloan sent a pacey ball into a crowded circle looking to break the deadlock. The English goal came from experienced Barry Middleton as he slid in at the back post to deflect Phil Roper’s PC shot past Carr. Eugene Magee won the Green Machine’s only corner of the half but another goal disallowed as Shane O’Donoghue’s shot was deemed to have hit the first runner high. England accumulated 6 PC’s in the opening half but otherwise the encounter was honours even with Ireland holding 48% of possession and neither goal keeper troubled much as the teams sat mainly in between the two 25’s trying to create space.
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