HOCKEY: Rising Ipswich hockey star Jo Ellis spared England's blushes after scoring the winner in an uninspiring 1-0 victory over Scotland to set up a final-day decider against India at the four nations event in Manchester.
HOCKEY
Rising Ipswich hockey star Jo Ellis spared England's blushes after scoring the winner in an uninspiring 1-0 victory over Scotland to set up a final-day decider against India at the four nations event in Manchester.
Having beaten Ireland 2-1 yesterday in the competition, which is being used as a final selector for the Commonwealth Game, England – who have dropped 'the face of English hockey' Denise Marston-Smith and Katy Roberts from their squad – did just enough to overcome the Auld enemy.
It took a 13th-minute goal from Ellis – her first senior international goal in only her fourth appearance – to break the deadlock as England struggled to pass their way past the workmanlike Scots.
And only a great double save by goalkeeper Hilary Rose from a second-half penalty corner kept the scores level as neither side really threatened.
However, it sets up a winner-takes-all clash against India tomorrow, who followed yesterday's 4-1 demolition of Scotland by beating Ireland 1-0 today.
Goalscorer Ellis said: "It was hard work because we didn't play particularly well."
Coach Tricia Heberle added: "I can endure these type of performances at this stage of preparation but we cannot afford to play like that in the Commonwealth Games."
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