Ansley kickstarts England’s bid
ENGLAND won their first match of the World Cup to book a play-off spot against South Korea — but this unconvincing win over Ireland means tough tests will follow. The hosts huffed and puffed their way through this grudge match, finally scoring from their 14th penalty corner of the night as Giselle Ansley’s strike deflected in with only seven minutes to go. It was a match they might have wanted to lose, in order to avoid the all-conquering Dutch in a potential quarter-final. But the win — after group-stage draws against India and the Americans — at least kickstarts their tournament. And there was no sense of England throwing the match to avoid Holland. ‘Absolutely not,’ said captain Alex Danson. ‘We train full time to win every game we play. We came out here to do exactly the same. It was our first win but we have played some exceptionally good hockey. Yes, it is fantastic to get the three points on the board but we have had two cracking games before. Hopefully this will build a bit of momentum. For every team now it is into the business end, slate clean.’ England dominated the first half, searching for a goal to calm nerves. But despite being awarded four penalty corners, none thudded into the backboard. The third quarter brought England five more penalty corners but still they could not score. A combination of poor set-ups, brave blocking from Yvonne O’Byrne and wayward shooting from Hollie Pearne-Webb and Ansley kept the teams level. Ireland were not without their chances but the team in green, while exciting on the break, did not have the finishers to complete the job. England finally broke through. With seven minutes to play, Susannah Townsend fed the best striker in red from yet another penalty corner, given after a stick-tackle had denied Danson. Ansley fired right, but her shot was deflected left to fizz past Ayeisha McFerran in goal and England could mop their furrowed brows and move on. Ireland wait to play either Italy or India in their quarter-final. For England, the South Koreans are up next.