Ireland showed a marked improvement on Monday's defeat by China as a Justin Sherriff strike secured victory over Malaysia in the Gold Cup tournament in Bangladesh yesterday. Though the temperatures in the Moulana Bhasani Stadium exceeded 100 degrees, the Irish conjured a performance that bristled with energy and strength.

From the moment Sherriff beat Saiful Azhara on 15 minutes they never looked in trouble against a relatively inexperienced team. The goal was the product of Stephen Butler's decisive incursion into the circle, causing the ball to break nicely for the Irish striker who tapped home a rising reverse stick shot. Shortly before half time captain and goalkeeper Nigel Henderson had to be at his best to lay a glove on a Kuhan Shanmuganathan effort which was destined for his top right hand corner. However, for the rest of the afternoon the Malysians were kept well under control by David Smyth and Jason Black, but almost as impressive was the work-rate of the front runners Dan Clarke and Sherriff in covering back.

Tomorrow the Irish must face a Pakistan team that destroyed Egypt 4-1 later in the afternoon.

IRELAND: N Henderson, D Smyth, J Black, E Lutton, P Brown, S Butler, M Raphael, N Buttimer, D Clarke, J Sherriff, J Stevenson. Subs: M Black, G Elliott, C Jackson, P Lombard.