England got off to a storming start in their bronze medal play-off match in the ATA Champions Challenge against the USA in Baku today. In the opening exchanges Jo Ellis had an early scoring opportunity and England had won three penalty corners in as many minutes. Only some brilliant play by ex-Canterbury player, Amy Trann (pictured), kept a clean sheet for the Americans in the first half. However, when the first goal was scored it was Dana Sensenig of the USA who put her name of the score sheet, parrying a penalty corner passed Katy Roberts in the England goal. Fortunately it only took a couple of minutes for England to put themselves back into the match after a Chloe Rogers pass was deflected into the net by Cathy Gilliat-Smith. Trann was again in action, saving a shot by Alex Danson. In the 43rd minute Rachel Walker put England ahead with a tap over the line. The USA, who managed a draw against England in the round-robin section of this competition, came back strongly but the England defence held. Final score 2-1 to England and a bronze medal.
The final match between China and Korea will take place later to day. The full results will appear on this blog later
