Dutch Women Come From Behind To Take 2-1 Win

England 1
Ellie Rayer (10’ FG)

Netherlands 2
Ireen van den Assem (39’ PC); Tessa Clasener (42’ PC)

The Dutch women came from behind to take all three points against England at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre today.

Ellie Rayer fashioned a good goal by herself in the first quarter, but two penalty corners in quick succession in the third period gave Netherlands the victory.

England pushed for a leveller but we unable to find a way past Julia Remmerswaal, and the young Dutch side stood firm for the win, avenging England's 3-1 victory 24 hours earlier.

There is now a two-week break for David Ralph’s side as they prepare for home games with Belgium here on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 18 and 19 June.

England: Hinch (GK), Toman, Pearne-Webb (C), Balsdon, Crackles, Hunt, McCallin, Peel, Owsley, Rayer, Martin
Subs (Used): Unsworth, Howard, Petter, Ansley, S Hamilton, Walker
Sub (Unused): Heesh (GK)

Report
Netherlands started the game brightly and forced Maddie Hinch into two early saves, the first a stunning stop from Maxime Kerstholt. Down the other end Giselle Ansley had England’s first shot of note from a corner but it was palmed away by Julia Remmerswaal on nine minutes.

Just a moment later though, England had the lead with a goal created and scored by Ellie Rayer. Putting pressure on a Dutch defender, she was able to run into space and dink a very nice finish home for 1-0.

Early in the second period the visitors produced a clever corner routine that gave Ireen van den Assem a chance, but she shot over from a tight angle. England’s Holly Hunt then got into a good position inside the D, and the shot looked on but she elected to find a teammate and the home side were crowded out.

As the half came to a close Rayer again darted into the D but was denied by the visiting defence. Hinch then pulled off another excellent stop to keep out Tessa Beetsma, and the Dutch had a goal disallowed for danger on the initial shot.

Into the third period and the visitors got themselves on level terms with a well-constructed corner scored by van den Assem, and within moments they made it 2-1 from another set piece as it was worked back to the injector Tessa Clasener for a very neat goal.

Grace Balsdon then saw her own corner attempt blocked, and the Netherlands broke quickly but Fiona Morgenstern was unable to convert just before the end of the third quarter.

Hinch again stood firm from a couple of corners early in the final quarter, and Hannah Martin went through on goal but Remmerswaal was able to do enough – illegally, in Martin’s opinion but we had already used our referral. And so it was the Dutch who took victory.