Thursday, April 27 2006 15:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

England defy rankings with a win: England pulled off a great victory against China today (Apr 27, 2006) with a goal in the dying seconds of the game. China are the top seeds at the tournament and are ranked four places above England in the current (December 2005) Sahara World Hockey Team Rankings.

This is a vital win for England. This victory sends England to the top of Pool A and gives them a great chance of qualifying for the World Cup in the first round of matches.

England recovered from a 7th minute set-back and won the game with a goal in each half from Crista Cullen and Helen Richardson.

China started well with England very much on the back foot in the first five minutes and their pressure paid off in the 7th minute as a free hit from just outside the circle found Ren Ye unmarked on the far post. With England Goalkeeper Carolyn Reid blind sighted, Ye deflected in to give China an early lead.

This early goal had a positive effect on England and despite the setback, they became the more dominant side, with China defending well but attacking on the break.

In the 28th minute, England had a penalty corner saved on the line, but seconds later were awarded another penalty corner and they made no mistake in converting this time, with Crista Cullen netting with a slip flick.

England failed to penetrate the strong Chinese defence for the rest of the half, but could have gone into the break with the lead after Mel Clewlow crossed the ball across the face of the goal, only to find no-one there to slot the ball home.