FIH Pro League: Ireland suffer fifth straight loss as Netherlands secure 2-1 win

Jip Janssen's two penalty corners secured the Netherlands a 2-1 win after Matthew Nelson had put Ireland ahead in India

Ireland suffered a fifth straight loss in the Pro League as they were beaten 2-1 by the world's number one side, the Netherlands.

Matthew Nelson gave the 12th-ranked Irish the lead in the 12th minute in Bhubaneswar.

However, Jip Janssen levelled from a penalty corner within three minutes before putting the Netherlands ahead three minutes into the second quarter.

The Dutch forced four more penalty corners but couldn't add to their lead.

Nelson's goal came following Ireland's sole penalty corner in the contest as he hammered home the rebound after Shane O'Donoghue's shot had been blocked.

The Netherlands totalled nine penalty corners during the contest but had to survive some late Ireland pressure as Conor Empey and Daragh Walsh created half chances.

Ireland coach Mark Tumilty took consolation from his side being considerably more competitive than in their tournament opener on 10 February when the Dutch earned a 5-1 win.

Tumilty's Ireland side suffered an agonising late 1-0 defeat by hosts India on Friday which came after a 4-2 reverse against Spain and 5-0 hammering by Australia in their other block one matches.

"We have definitely made progress from block one," said the Ireland coach.

"Overall, we defended well and Shane O'Donoghue was excellent but so were a few others.

"Matthew Nelson, we know what he is capable of and he showed that out there today against the number one ranked team in the world."

Ireland will next be in action against Australia on Thursday before taking on Spain and India in their final games of the tournament on Saturday and Sunday.