Germany defeat Enland in Setanta Opening Match

SETANTA TROPHY, 11 June 2008

Germany started the stronger side winning four penalty corners in the first 12 minutes and piled on the pressure but were unable to beat Beth Storry in the GB goal. GB’s best chance of the half came in the 17^th minute when Danson robbed a defender and was bundled off the ball whilst running at the circle. The resulting free hit was deflected just past the post.

Germany took the lead in the 25^th minute when Natasha Keller shot past Storry into the corner of the goal after a well-worked open play attack, but GB had opportunities before the half to draw level with Charlotte Craddock looking the most dangerous forward shooting at goal on a number of occasions.

Britain came out strongly in the second half winning a penalty corner in the 37^th minute which was eventually converted by Susie Gilbert for her first GB goal. Having scored, GB moved forward with more confidence but were down to 10 in the 40^th minute when Rachel Walker received a yellow card. Whilst down to 10, Germany were able to take advantage with a long hit into the circle which resulted in the faintest of deflections by the German captain Marion Roadwald in the 45^th minute.

Craddock came close to equalising two minutes later flicking the ball against the post from a narrow angle. In the last 10 minutes, GB pushed forward for an equaliser with Craddock again troubling the German defence. At the other end, Germany also created chances to kill off the game, but the defence and Storry denied Germany the opportunity.

Head Coach Danny Kerry said “A very shaky first half where Germany dominated the early exchanges. A slightly better second half after Germany still having the best share of chances but happy with what we did given Germany are our opponents in the first game in Beijing.”