Charlotte Stapenhorst’s late goal earned Germany a 3-2 win in their FIH Pro League match with Great Britain. 

The Germany no12 deceived Maddie Hinch with a bouncing shot three minutes from full time to nudge the visitors in front and condemn Great Britain to defeat.

Head Coach Xavier Reckinger was forced to ring the changes with a number of his regular starters unavailable due to their involvement in the Bundesliga playoffs. Despite fielding a side featuring six players with fewer than five caps, Germany matched Great Britain in a close contest and came out with the three points. 

Mark Hager’s side snatched an early lead. Sarah Robertson – winning her 150th international cap turned Ellie Rayer’s cross into the net in the 11th minute of a tight opening quarter.  

Germany got back on level terms just before the break. Jette Fleschutz pounced on a penalty corner rebound to slot home from close range.

Chances were scarce and it wasn’t until the third quarter that the next goal arrived. It was one goalkeeper Julia Sontag will not want to see again: Susannah Townsend’s mis-hit shot snuck past the goalkeeper who was distracted by the attentions of Sarah Jones.  

Germany stayed in the contest and with Great Britain down to ten players due to a yellow card for Fiona Crackles, the visitors made their advantage pay. Lena Micheel’s precise low strike found the far corner to make it 2-2.

Maddie Hinch, also making her 150th international appearance made a splendid save in the fourth quarter to deny Emma Boermans but with the prospect of a shootout looming, Stapenhorst’s late intervention proved decisive.  

The two sides will meet in the FIH Pro League again tomorrow, 8pm live on BT Sport.