Winning Run Ended By Netherlands Men

England 0

Netherlands 3
Dennis Warmerdam (3’ 12’ FGs); Tjep Hoedemakers (55’ FG)

Two early goals set the Netherlands’ men on the way to all three points against England at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

England came into the game with four straight wins under their belt, but the visitors took charge of the game with two goals from Dennis Warmerdam in the first 12 minutes, and they were able to stay in control from then on.

Although England probed, they never quite got the chance they craved and were hit by a third goal late on from Tjep Hoedemakers.

After a good run, England will lick their wounds and go again when the teams face off once more on Sunday at 3:30pm.

Full report
The Netherlands set the tone early on when they stole possession deep in England territory, and they made that start pay dividends when Dennis Warmerdam produced a very neat finish with only three minutes gone. Tijmen Revenga could have made it 2-0 straight afterwards but lashed over when very well placed.

The visitors did have a second on 12 minutes though, and again it was Warmerdam, this time from a very good cross by skipper Thierry Brinkman.

From 15 minutes onwards the game took a familiar pattern, England with decent amounts of possession but the Dutch understandably happy to sit deep and protect a two-goal lead. In the second period England almost scored on the reverse but shot just wide, and then Matt Ramshaw was denied by an excellent tackle.

As the second half began, Sam Ward was inches away with a corner and that proved to be the closest England came. Floris Middendorp could and should have scored for the Dutch, and later Chris Griffiths’ effort from a brilliant David Goodfield run evaded everyone in the middle.

Then with time almost up, Tjep Hoedemakers lashed home a dropping ball for a clincher.

After a good run of form, it was a disappointing result for England but the guys go again on Sunday against the same opponents and will look for a different outcome.