Yesterday England managed to end a run of defeats at the hands of New Zealand. This afternoon England ended a run of victories over Korea when they played the second of their Champions Challenge games in Baku. England’s hopes looked promising when Leicester’s Crista Cullen opened the scoring from open play in the 9th minute but the Koreans were quick to respond with goals from Hye Jin Seo and Jung Hee Kim. Korea made it 3-1 just before the break with a deflection by Eun Sil Kim from a penalty corner strike. Korea scored their fourth when Seul Ki Cheon converted a penalty corner in the 67the minute. Goal difference can be important in these tournaments and England 70th minute penalty corner goal by Kate Walsh may prove invaluable as the week progresses. Final score 4-2.
Korea are the fancied side in this tournament and although losing is a set-back for England, Danny Kerry’s team do have three points in the bank from their match against New Zealand. No doubt England’s will not be the only scalp the Koreans will take. Tomorrow (Monday) is a rest day. England play the USA on Tuesday.
Our photograph shows the two England scorers, Kate Walsh (left) and Crista Cullen (centre) with Mel Clewlow. Further results and the table after day two will be posted later on this site.
