Ireland come from behind to down Czech Republic in Euro Hockey II opener
A brace of goals each from Johnny McKee and Lee Cole, with Matthew Nelson nabbing the other, gave Ireland the victory after the Czechs had led by two goals twice in the match.
After a bright start, Czech Republic scored goals in the first and second quarter before Johnny McKee got Ireland off the mark after great build-up play by Daragh Walsh.
Czech Republic restored their two-goal advantage early in the third quarter but Ireland responded well as McKee scored his second shortly afterwards.
McKee was busy as he earned Ireland a penalty which Lee Cole scored to draw the sides level, and the Green Machine were ahead for the first time when Matthew Nelson flicked home Sean Murray's pass.
Another Lee Cole penalty pushed the gap to two with Ireland looking more likely to add a sixth than concede a fourth in the closing moments.
Ireland will be back in action against Italy on Tuesday before concluding their Pool A campaign the following day against hosts Portugal, with the top two sides earning a place in Friday's semi-finals.
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