England's final match in the European Indoor Championships has ended in victory but resulted in relegation.
Russia's 3-2 win over Switzerland in the preceding match left a glimmer of hope for the England side as they took on Spain in the relegation pool. With the Russians on four points, with a goal difference of +0, they could be overtaken if England could win by a substantial goal difference. That would have meant sixth place and a return to the tournament when it is next held in two years time.
Despite a first half penalty stroke conversion by Ashley Jackson, England looked like heading for a defeat as the final seconds of the match ticked away. With Spain leading 2-1, and with two minutes left, Jackson found the net again, this time from open play, to equalise. Moments later Nick Catlin scored the winner for England.
The result puts England on four points, the same as Russia, but with a goal difference of only one separating them. As a result, England finish seventh and are relegated along with Switzerland who finished eighth. Both will play in the EuroHockey Indoor Championships II in 2014.
The final was won by Germany who beat the Czech Republic 4-0 in the final. The bronze was won by Austria.
Full results and tables are available on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk.
TalkHockeyRadio will be in Denmark for the Women's EuroHockey Indoor Championships II next weekend.
