BRITAIN DENIED AT DEATH

by Pat Rowley (11.7.2009)

England were denied a shock win over Olympic champions Netherlands when the Dutch converted an over-time penalty corner to snatch a 2-2 draw in the opening match of the Women’s Champions Trophy in Sydney.

England had built up a 2-0 lead by the 47th minute, twice snapping up chances in a congested Dutch circle.

Leicester forward Katie Long (21) gave England the lead after a quarter of an hour, her third goal in six internationals. Former Slough forward Alex Danson reversed in the second.

The Dutch were the more dominant side but England goalkeeper Beth Storry, was outstanding as she had been at the Beijing Olympics.

Former South African Marlyn Agliotti made it 2-1 but England appeared to have held on for victory until the Dutch were awarded a corner in
the last seconds.

Storry had dominated at earlier corners but Holland’s Maartje Paumen finally found a way past her with a shot just under the
cross bar.

In the other first day games, Australia beat Germany whom England play today, 2-0 while Argentina defeated China 2-1.

copy for Sunday Express 12.7.2009