Irish into final

Draw puts Ireland in with a shot of making London 2012

Last Updated: March 18, 2012 11:46am

John Jermyn: Scorer for Ireland

Ireland's men moved a step closer to booking a place at the London Olympics after drawing 1-1 with Malaysia in Saturday's FIH Road to London tournament.

The result secured Ireland a place in the final against Korea on Sunday, the winner of which will qualify to the Olympic hockey tournament.

After a goalless first half, Malaysia broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Nabil Noor Mohd deflected the ball in at the back post.

Ireland pushed for the equaliser and forced three penalty corners in quick succession. They finally made the breakthrough with the last of those as John Jermyn equalised with a powerful drag flick on the hour mark.

Ireland's female counterparts also enjoyed a good day as they cantered to a 5-1 win over France in their opening match of the tournament.

Ireland surprisingly fell behind in the 13th minute but rallied superbly with goals by Alex Speers and Audrey O'Flynn giving them the interval lead.

The Irish moved 3-1 ahead when Aine Connery picked the ball up a long way from goal before beating two defenders and finishing with a smart flick over the goalkeeper.

Lisa Jacob made it 4-0 before Michelle Harvey completed the straightforward win. Ireland's women are in action again on Sunday when they play Russia.