Pakistan beat Ireland in a fast paced final pool game of the UCD four Nations Cup. Pakistan started at pace and got on the score sheet after 24 minutes when Waseem Ahmed deflected in a great pass through the centre of the circle. Ireland then surged looking for the equaliser and it was Timothy Cockram who forced a great save from Akbar in goals with his reverse stick attempt. But it was Pakistan who once again found the net after 28 minutes when Abbas fired home to put them two up at half time. The break served Ireland well and they bossed the majority of the second half and they deserved their early goal when Cockram’s pinpoint pass set Michael Watt up for a reverse stick shot. Ireland’s confidence and pace grew and they were unlucky not to get an equaliser. But good Pakistani defending and missed chances meant that the Asian side held out for a victory. Ireland will have a chance to reverse the outcome tomorrow when they face Pakistan in the final. We were disappointed to concede two goals that we believe we should be controlling and would need to improve on this area before tomorrow,’ said Irish coach Paul Revington. ‘The team are excited to be playing Pakistan again tomorrow in the final and are confident that our improvements will lead to a more competitive performance.’
