Ireland lose opening two games against Spain

Ireland’s four-match series against Spain in Valencia has opened with two defeats, the hosts winning the first of the games 3-0 before a tighter affair in which they had to recover from falling behind to Megan Frazer’s short corner strike.

Coach Graham Shaw gave senior debuts to Syracuse University's Emma Russell and Zoe Wilson in the first of the ties, Spain 2-0 up by half-time before adding a third in the final quarter.

In game two, Ireland were dealt a blow when Shirley McCay went off injured after being struck on the leg by the ball.

Despite fine goalkeeping from Pamela Smithwick the Spanish recovered from Frazer’s goal to level and then snatch the winner in the 57th minute.

The teams meet again on Monday before completing the series on Tuesday.