Late goal denies Ireland a top eight finish

Ireland's men have missed out on a top eight finish in the European Nations Cup in Barcelona, after conceding a late equaliser…

Ireland's men have missed out on a top eight finish in the European Nations Cup in Barcelona, after conceding a late equaliser to Belgium to draw 3-3 today.

The sides matched each other goal for goal until Glennane's Stephen Butler scored a penalty corner with 12 minutes to go to put his side in front for the third time.

However, less than two minutes from time Xavier Reckinger snatched a point which ensured Belgium finished fourth in Pool A and put them through to the fifth to eighth classification matches.

Andy Barbour had put Ireland in front in the 27th minute but immediately conceded an equaliser to Loiv Vanderweghe.

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Three minutes before the interval Pembroke Wanderers' Justin Sherriff scored his fourth goal of the tournament but Belgium were back on level terms 10 minutes after half-time when Jean-Philippe Brule converted a penalty corner.