Olympic qualifier: Ireland's men beat Ukraine 5-1 in opening Valencia game

Lee Cole netted twice in Ireland's opening 5-1 win over Ukraine in the Olympic qualifying tournament

Ireland's men began their challenge for Olympic qualification with a 5-1 win over Ukraine in Valencia.

Lee Cole scored twice with Jeremy Duncan, on his 100th appearance for his country, Darragh Walsh and Ben Johnson also on the scoresheet.

However it wasn't as comfortable as the scoreline suggests.

It took until the last quarter for the stubborn Ukrainian defence to be broken down with Ireland scoring their final three goals in a four-minute spell.

Olympic champions Belgium despatched Japan 7-0 in the other Pool A game and they are Ireland's next opponents on Monday.

Ireland dominated the early stages and forced four penalty corners in the opening quarter but couldn't capitalise. Johnson, drafted into the squad on Saturday after Ben Walker picked up an injury, also hit the crossbar.

Ben Johnson notched Ireland's opening goal in Valencia after earlier hitting the crossbar

However the Three Rock Rovers forward wouldn't be denied early in the second quarter as he reacted quickest to the ball after Luke Madeley's shot from another penalty corner was half blocked.

Ireland doubled their advantage when Cole converted some nice approach play down the right flank.

Some sloppiness just before half-time saw Ukraine score from one of their few forays into the Irish circle.

They forced a penalty corner after Ireland had turned over possession and Vlacheslav Paziuk's effort couldn't be stopped by Davy Harte.

Ireland struggled in the third quarter to create chances but as Ukraine tired, the Irish added to their lead with three goals in the final 10 minutes.

Cole relieved the growing tension with his second of the game from a penalty corner and then centurion Duncan picked his spot with a neat finish.

Walsh completed the scoring with an effort from the top of the circle.

'Our corners must be better' - Tumilty

"We didn't take all the opportunities we created and then they get one penalty corner and score so it's a good lesson for us," said Ireland coach Mark Tumilty

"Our corners must be better as we go through the tournament."

The third game in the pool against Japan on Wednesday is likely to be the pivotal clash in terms of reaching the semi-finals and keeping the Paris dream alive but Ireland are relishing Monday's meeting with Belgium.

Tumility added: "You have to respect them, they're Olympic champions for a reason and they have a fantastic squad.

"But I think we have to be brave enough to go and play and that'll be the aim.

"We know going into the game what we need to do and that is to try and give ourselves a draw against Japan to be enough to go through.

"It's just about being better than we were today, better connections, better basics and that we're more clinical with our penalty corners."