England move to verge of Euros qualification with win over Wales

England 3

(Balsdon 24, PS; Howard 42, FG; Martin 57, FG)

Wales 0

England are on the verge of qualifying for next year’s EuroHockey Championship following a 3-0 win over Wales at Durham University.

Grace Balsdon broke the deadlock with a penalty stroke six minutes before the break and the advantage was doubled by Tess Howard in the third quarter.

Hannah Martin, who scored four times in Thursday’s 15-0 win over Croatia, continued her rich vein of form by adding a third late on to leave David Ralph’s side knowing that avoiding defeat against Slovakia on Sunday will secure their place in Monchengladbach.

Both sides were convincing winners earlier in the week, Wales putting nine past Slovakia without reply, but the first quarter was lacking in clear-cut chances.

Balsdon came close from the game’s first penalty corner but saw her effort beaten away by Ella Jackson, who later kept out Howard and Lily Owsley either side of the buzzer.

Jackson was beaten by Balsdon from a 23^rd-minute penalty corner but had Joanne Westwood in place to clear off the line as Wales continued to hold firm.

But England’s pressure told when Balsdon converted a penalty stroke after Owsley’s diving effort had been blocked en route to goal by a Welsh foot, the defender picking out the bottom right-hand corner to give Jackson no chance.

Martin and Owsley’s neat combinations were causing the Wales defence problems and the former’s cross-shot just evaded Ellie Rayer at the back post as England pushed for a second before half-time, Giselle Ansley also seeing a shot blocked from a penalty corner.

The second half began as the first had ended, with England dominating possession, and they opened up a two-goal cushion in the 42nd minute through a player back on familiar territory.

Howard, a Durham University graduate, seized on a loose pass out of defence to surge into the circle and beat Jackson with a fierce strike on the reverse.

Maddie Hinch was enjoying another quiet afternoon but was alert when called upon just before the end of the third quarter, sticking out a leg to deny Xenna Hughes from Wales’ first penalty corner of the game.

England were soon back on the attack during the final quarter and earned a string of penalty corners, Anna Toman coming closest with a shot which was scrambled away by the Welsh defence.

But a third goal did arrive three minutes from time, Martin turning home Holly Hunt’s shot after strong work by Sophie Hamilton down the right.

Attentions now turn to Sunday’s clash with Slovakia, for which tickets are available.

The match begins at 1pm and is also available to watch for free by clicking here.

England: Maddie Hinch, Anna Toman, Hannah Martin, Ellie Rayer, Tess Howard, Giselle Ansley, Hollie Pearne-Webb (captain), Fiona Crackles, Shona McCallin, Lily Owsley, Flora Peel

Substitutes (used): Laura Unsworth, Holly Hunt, Izzy Petter, Sophie Hamilton, Grace Balsdon, Alex Malzer.

Substitutes (not used): Sabbie Heesh