England completed the double over Ireland after a 2-1 victory at Belfield this afternoon gave them an unassailable lead in the three-match tour - adding to the series victory in England a fortnight ago.
A 4-0 win yesterday had put the visitors in the driving seat and it did not take long to get themselves ahead today, Barry Middleton grabbing his second goal of the series from a penalty corner rebound.
Ireland goalkeeper Wesley Bateman was called into action several times in the first half and managed to keep the England forwards at bay until after the interval.
Early in the second half the home side were unlucky not to equalise but it was England who scored next from a well-worked penalty corner routine which was finished off by captain Craig Parnham.
Ireland responded immediately with Justin Sherriff finishing off a fine move but it was a mere consolation.
The final game of the series, also in Dublin, takes place tomorrow morning.