GB defeat Spain in last match before Beijing

TRAINING MATCH – 15 JUNE 2008

SPAIN 0 (0)

GREAT BRITAIN 1 (0)

Mel Clewlow 41 (PC)

In an unofficial game, Great Britain played Spain in what was to be the last match before their departure for Beijing. A dower first half left little to write home about. There was plenty of endeavour from both sides but that was about all.

Spain had the advantage in the first 10 minutes but GB had the first scoring opportunity when Crista Cullen won a penalty corner from a free hit outside the circle. It was also Cullen’s drag flick which was well saved by the Spanish ‘keeper.

Spain’s best opportunities came in the 24^th minute during a penalty corner and two retakes. Katy Roberts and the defence handled the danger well.

In the last minute of the half, the quick thinking Helen Richardson fed Lucilla Wright from a free hit outside the circle, Lucilla ran along the byline to lay the ball back into open space in front of goal, but there was no GB forward.

GB started the second half with real purpose. Craddock shot wide on 38 minutes and Walker was denied by a diving keeper a minute later. It was however left to Mel Clewlow to open the scoring for GB with a straight strike at a penalty corner in the 41^st minute. The remainder of the second half resembled the first. Spain had a good spell towards the end of the half and perhaps could have sneaked an equaliser but GB held firm in defence and Spain’s last chance from an overtime penalty corner saw the ball go high into the net from a straight strike which was disallowed to give GB the win.

SQUAD

This was a training match and caps have not been awarded.

Started

Katy Roberts (GK) (Chelmsford & England)

Lisa Wooding (Chelmsford & England)

Crista Cullen (Leicester & England)

Jo Ellis (Ipswich & England)

Kate Walsh (Slough & England)

Jennie Bimson (Leicester & England)

Rachel Walker (Olton & West Warwickshire & England)

Alex Danson (Slough & England)

Rebecca Herbert (Leicester & England)