FIH Pro League: Ireland lose opener 2-1 to Belgium in Dublin

Ireland looked nervous in the opening exchanges, conceding a lot of territory to Belgium but also defending well to limit the number of opportunities.

They could do nothing to stop Ballenghien scoring the opening goal, however, as she trapped the ball, turned, and fired it past Lizzie Murphy.

Just after the interval the same player was on the end of a sweeping move that went the full length of the pitch and, at 2-0, it looked like Belgium were on their way to a comfortable victory.

Ireland, though, had other ideas. Suddenly their transferral of the ball was quicker and more accurate.

Debutant Mia Jennings forced Elena Sotgiu into a sharp save and the Belgian goalkeeper then denied the impressive Jess McMaster.

The Ulster Elks forward had another opportunity later in the game while Christina Hamill and Sarah Hawkshaw also saw efforts saved by Sotgiu.

Another storming run from McMaster forced a late string of penalty corners, the final one a well-worked routine that saw Hannah McLoughlin pick out the out-stretched stick of Curran who turned the ball high into the net.