Ireland still with a chance despite loss

Great Britain 2 Ireland 0

Great Britain 2 Ireland 0

The Irish women's hockey team can still reach this summer's Olympic Games despite losing to Great Britain in the qualifying tournament in Auckland today.

Riet Kuper's side will play-off with the United States on Friday and should they win that game they will meet either Korea and possibly Great Britain again on Saturday to duel for the fifth and final qualifying spot.

Both sides went into today's final group game requiring three points plus a win for New Zealand in the late game against Germany to make the semi-finals - and earn an Athens berth.

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Canterbury forward Anna Bennett gave her side a 19th-minute lead when she deflected in Jane Smith's shot before the Slough midfielder turned scorer with a 65th-minute penalty corner which secured victory.