Ireland played Malaysia in the first of four matches in UCD, Ireland resulting in 3-3 draw.
The game opened with plenty of fast paced action mainly between the 22 with Ireland applying most of the pressure but the first real goal mouth action came in the 21st with a penalty corner to Ireland. Ireland's initial attempt was saved but Bruce McCandless made no mistake pouncing on the rebound to give his side the lead.
The lead was short lived and four minutes later Hanfi Hafifihafiz equalised after a goal mouth scramble to leave the sides level at half time.
Ireland took the lead once again in the 47th minute through their set piece routine this time it was a trademark Alan Sothern low drag to the right to go 2-1 up. Ireland were challenged a minute later but the soft Malaysian attempt was easily saved by Walker in goals.
Ireland had a great chance to extend their lead when the secured their third penalty corner but Doherty's drag attempt was saved. Malaysia equalised in the 63rd minute and then took the lead in the 68th minute for the first time in this game when Ahmad Tajudin scored a brace both coming from open play, during a period that Ireland had to soak up the pressure of just ten men after David Ames was yellow carded in the 66th minute.
Ireland got a deserved draw with just seconds to spare on the clock when Sothern's drag was fired through the keepers legs to ensure a three all finish.
'We have been trying some new defensive tactics and we were pleased with how this went against Malaysia tonight. Obviously, Malaysia have some fast and furious players and they are busy preparing for the Commonwealth Game and Asian games in November / December so they are at their Peak.' commented Assistant Coach Arul Anthoni.
Ireland-Malaysia 3-3 (1-1)
Goals Ireland: Bruce McCandless 21st; Alan Sothern 47m & 69m
Goals Malaysia: Hanfi Hafifihafiz 25m; Ahmad Tajudin 63 & 68 M
Source: Irish Hockey
