Simon Mantell injured

by Patrick Rowley (1.11.2009)

England striker Simon Mantell will not be able to play for England, the European champions, in the Champions Trophy in Melbourne at the end of this month.

Injured in Reading’s England League match at Beeston on Saturday, he is believed to have a leg stress fracture.

Reading were held to a goalless draw by Beeston, fellow European League quarter finalists, in a rearranged game but that was enough to take them above Surbiton to the top of the league on goal difference.

Cup holders Reading had a big scare in the third round of the cup yesterday. They were held to a 1-1 draw by conference side Southgate and went through on sudden death penalties. Paul Turk scored the decisive penalty.

copy for Daily Mail 2.11.2009