Saturday, June 20 – Cape Town, South Africa: The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team concluded their time at the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup by securing a second win over the USA. A Ben Nelson brace and goals each for Alistair Empey, Greg Williams, and Matthew Nelson were enough to see the side cruise to a 5-1 victory over the tournament debutants, ending their campaign on a positive note.
Ireland began positively, Peter Brown getting the first sight of goal of the match as his first time strike tested Allard André de la Porte in the USA net. Ben Walker took aim next, but his effort went wide of the post.
Ireland’s Fergus Gibson earned his side the first penalty corner of the tie, but Ireland couldn’t execute from the opportunity and USA cleared. Ireland’s persistence eventually paid off as they attacked with purpose to work the ball to Ben Nelson who fired into the roof of the net on his reverse stick.
Ireland had to defend a penalty corner early in quarter 2 after the USA got an outcome from a rare attacking opportunity, but goalkeeper Luke Roleston was equal to the task to get a foot to the flick and clear. Ireland responded immediately, going up the other end where Alistair Empey had the space inside the circle to slap powerfully into the top corner to double his side’s lead.
USA, though, weren’t without chances, as they won a second penalty corner which Ireland defended again. Once again Ireland regained control, dominating possession and territory eventually allowing Ben Nelson a second shot at goal from a similar spot to where he scored, but this time Allard de la Porte denied him. Nelson, though, did get his second after recovering a bouncing delivery into the circle and striking on the half turn to add Ireland’s third with three minutes remaining in the half.
USA reduced the deficit just before half time, winning a penalty corner and converting through Sekayi Charasika to make it 3-1 going into the break.
A patient start to the second half saw Ireland prioritise control and steady build up as they looked to pick apart the USA’s deep block. The USA did well to avoid giving away easy chances, and enjoyed a breakaway opportunity, forcing Luke Roleston into a save.
Ali Empey though came closest to scoring in the early stages of quarter three, but his strike was saved. Another chance at goal after a superb attacking interchange allowed Matthew Nelson to strike at goal from close range but André de la Porte pulled off a world-class save to keep the tie at 3-1.
Ireland finally found their fourth just before the end of quarter three. Ben Walker drove well towards the circle before being fouled to secure a penalty corner which allowed Greg Williams the chance to flick into the back of the net.
Early in the final quarter, the USA broke through Charasika earing yet another penalty corner, which Luke Roleston saved once again. Ireland settled, working the ball into the circle with relative ease, with an outcome finally coming as Ben Nelson won a penalty corner, which Ireland couldn’t convert.
Evan Jennings came within inches of getting Ireland’s fifth, and opening his international account, but the faintest of touches from André de la Porte diverted it wide. The fifth did arrive for Ireland, courtesy of Matthew Nelson who struck with immense power on his reverse from a tight angle to find the back of the net and complete the scoring.
The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team will now turn their attention to August when they travel to Wavre, Belgium to compete in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, alongside the IRL Women. The team have been drawn in Pool C alongside Australia, Spain and South Africa. The team will begin their World Cup campaign in the Belfius Hockey Arena against Australia on Sunday, August 16.
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