Right from the start of England women’s second match in the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Challenge it was clear that the women of Denmark would prove tougher opponents than Turkey. The Danes defended stoutly and were dangerous in attack. It looked at one stage as if the first half might pass without a goal being scored but Sarah Page broke the deadlock shortly before half time. England went into the second half showing growing confidence but suffered a setback when Marianne Nielson’s shot at goal slipped under the body of an outstretched Becky Duggan to equalise. England restored their lead seven minutes later when Alex Scott found the goal in open play. It was still anyone’s game and an equaliser from Matilde Lundberg in the 34th minute put England on the back foot. But Lady Luck, who has not always favoured England in the past, came to England’s aid when a shot by Cathy Gilliat-Smith was trapped in front of the Danish goal by skipper Janne Nielson, and spun cruelly into the back of the net. The restored lead seemed to boost England’s confidence and Nielson, who had been a towering presence in the Danish defence, seemed unsettled by her own goal. A penalty corner award resulted in Sally Walton getting her name on the scoresheet and a second goal by Sarah Page in the dying seconds gave England the 5-2 win.
I must confess that there were times during this match when I felt that we would finish on the losing side but England showed a good deal of character in riding the difficult parts of the match and emerging winners. England play the other half of the Viking duo when they meet Sweden this evening.
Our photograph shows Emma Thomas in action during the match. Further pictures will appear on our main web site at www.talkhockeyradio.co.uk later next week.
