England pip NZ, brighten chance for Champions Trophy

Monchengladbach, Sep 15 (UNI) Thrice in arrears England surprised New Zealand by a dying minute goal to emerge 4-3 winner in the placing match of the Hockey World Cup here today and in the process kept their hopes alive for the Next Year's Champions Trophy.

England will now play for the 5/6th place while New Zealand will figure in the contest for the 7/8th place.

First six teams in the World Cup qualify for the Champions Trophy but with Pakistan being the host for the next edition, there are only five slots up for grabs unless FIH amends the rules.

New Zealand took the lead thrice but failed to hold on to it and England not only drew parity but also a last minute stunner by James Tindall ensured them a place among the first six teams, which itself is a big achievement.

The Kiws have themselves to blame, the fumbled several easy chances and then their defence committed several unforced errors which enabled their rivals to come back into the game.

For England, who trailed 1-2 at half time, the goal scorers were, Simon Mantell (35th, 60th ) Glenn Kirkham (45th), James Tindall(69th). For New Zealand, Hayden Shaw(28th), Ryan Archibald (32nd), Simon Child (54th) were the goal getters.

In a fast pace game, which saw three goals in seven minutes in the first half and four goals in 24 minutes of the next, the Kiwis surged ahead in the 28th minute through Hayden Shaw who converted the second penalty corner with his trade mark powerful drag flick (1-0).

It became 2-0 for then four minutes later when they earned their third penalty corner.

This time Shaw's flick was cleared by the goal keeper but on the rebound Glenn Kirkham shot home.

An England counter fetched them their second penalty corner in the 35th minute. An overtime penalty corner variation saw Ben Hawes's shot being cleared by the goal keeper but unmarked Simon Mantell was quick enough to flick the ball home on the rebound (2-1) The second session saw both the teams attacking each other with Kiwis defence showing signs of confusion. The English side drew parity in the 45th minute when Glenn Kirkham dived full length in the circle and with a reverse stick deflected rebound after a cross from Teroma Goudie was cleared by the goal keeper (2-2).

The Kiwis struck for the third time in the 54th minute and this time it was Simon Child who smashed home a reverse shot surprising the goalkeeper (3-2).

The English players displayed remarkable resilience and fought back to draw parity in the 60th minute through Simon Mantell (3-3) and just before the final hooter England earned their third penalty corner and James Tindall shot home after ball was relayed to him from Richard Mantell (4-3).

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