England 0 (0)

Germany 1 (1)
Cecile Pieper 5 (FG)

Captain Alex Danson was full of positives after “one of those days” against Germany. England slipped to a 1-0 defeat thanks to Cecile Pieper’s fifth minute strike but despite the disappointment, Danson remained upbeat:

“We had chances and we played really well as a team. We played some good hockey but we couldn’t find that goal. There are a lot of good things to take from the game and that’s what we’ll do.”

Peiper’s strike came early in the match after a good run and cross from Teresa Martin Pelegrina down the right set her up to score from close range.

England threw everything at Germany with Julia Ciupka saving well from Susannah Townsend in both the first and second quarters. Ellie Rayer set up Danson but the England skipper was crowded out leaving England searching for a leveller at the half time break.

“The game’s about scoring goals which is the hardest thing to do.” said Coach David Ralph.  “Even when you’re creating chances it’s never easy. They are a good team who defend well and so it’s not a simple task to break them down.”

“We were in their circle a lot and we felt we had opportunities. Taking one of those would’ve changed the momentum of the game but we weren’t able to do that today.”

England continued to fashion chances after the break as Danson was denied by the Germany goalkeeper who also showed good agility and bravery to block a thunderbolt from Townsend. At the other end Maddie Hinch made a world class save to deny Charlotte Stapenhorst what looked a certain goal.

GER 1-0 ENG Great save from Hinch to deny German second #EHC2017 pic.twitter.com/dOcapnUpnW

— EuroHockey (@eurohockeyorg) August 20, 2017

Gaps started to appear as England pushed forward in search of the equaliser, allowing Germany some late sights of goal. Hinch was at her best to keep out Martin Pelegrina and Pieper in quick succession.

Despite England throwing everyone upfield the time ran out and Germany took the three points.

Ralph remained calm at the end telling The Top of the D:

“We’ll go away and analyse the game and see where we are. We have an experienced group and the newer girls have adopted those habits and that mentality. We will follow our normal processes and move on to the next game. We need a result from that but we will put ourselves in the right place going into the game to get the three points.”

England’s next match is on Tuesday against Scotland at 1130am UK time.