Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 2 (IANS) England firmly kept themselves in the hunt for a semifinal slot with an impressive 6-4 victory over South Africa in pool B of the Hockey World Cup here Tuesday.
For England, Richard Mantell (14th minute, 57th) scored twice while Ashley Jackson (43rd) Rob Moore (23rd), Iain Mackay (52st) and Nick Catlin (50th) struck a goal each. The South African scorers were, Marvin Harper (9th, 53rd), Llyod Norris-Jones (25th) and Thornton McDade (67th).

It was an evenly contested match. The teams shared four goals in the first half, but England stepped up the tempo in the second to strike four times. The South African defence fell apart with England making some well synchronised moves.

After shocking Australia in the first match, England showed they have the class to go up the tournament.

It was the second time that England beat South Africa in a World Cup match, the first being at the last World Cup in 2006.

South Africa scored the first goal courtesy a brilliant piece of stickwork by Justin Reid-Ross and a clinical finish by Marvin Harper. Reid-Ross beautifully controlled a high ball near the goalline, skillfully dribbled past a defender and centered it perfectly for a sliding Harper to deflect in.

England were not to be left behind and three minutes later they equalised through a powerful penalty-corner strike by Richard Mantell.

But a sloppy stickwork by South African captain Austin Smith saw England take the lead. An alert Rob Moore snatched the ball from Smith in the midfield and charged down to slam the ball past goalkeeper Erasmus Pieterse.

England defence then returned the favour allowing Lloyd Norris-Jones, whose shot from the goalline was deflected in as the South Africans tried to clear the ball.

The second half started with England making some constructive moves.

South African Julian Hykes got a scoring opportunity but failed to hit the ball from close range.

England then scored in a quick counter-attack with Mantell and Barry Middleton doing the spadework for Ashley Jackson to push home for his second goal to put his side 3-2 up.

England then stretched the lead beyond South Africa’s reach, scoring two goals in quick succession. Catlin first struck in the 50th minute and a second later sent a fine cross for Mackay for finishing touch.

South Africa kept themselves afloat with Harper sounding the board again.

England made it 6-3 with a penalty-corner conversion by Mantell before McDade did the same at the other end for South Africa.