Great Britain women overcome Japan

 

Great Britain triumphed on home turf in the Investec Private Banking International overcoming Japan 2-1 in a closely fought encounter at The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. The visitors took the lead in the 25th minute from the spot as Yukari Yamamoto converted a penalty stroke. However, a second half brace from Alex Danson, with the winner coming just two minutes from time, was enough for Great Britain to secure the victory.
Danny Kerry’s side dominated the opening quarter with Reading teammates Danson and Susie Gilbert looking threatening in attack. Gilbert forced the first penalty corner of the match after linking up smartly with Danson, but the resultant strike from Zoe Shipperley was saved by Sakiyo Asano between the posts. Against the run of play, Japan took the lead in the 25th minute when they were awarded a penalty stroke following a foot on the line. Yamamoto held her nerve, sending Maddie Hinch the wrong way and converting low to the keeper’s left to give her side a 1-0 lead heading into half time.
Great Britain continued to pile the pressure on the Japanese defence in the third quarter and were rewarded for their persistence in the 42nd minute. A through ball from Helen Richardson-Walsh, who was playing in her 250th combined Great Britain and England international match, found Alex Danson in the circle and the number 15 kept her composure to round Asano and sweep home to draw the scores level.
The Great Britain forwards continued to threaten in the final quarter with Joie Leigh and Sarah Robertson causing problems in the Japanese circle. Two minutes from time the hosts found the winner with a well-worked penalty corner routine as Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh’s pass set up a diving Danson to deflect in hers and Great Britain’s second of the match.

Great Britain triumphed on home turf in the Investec Private Banking International overcoming Japan 2-1 in a closely fought encounter at The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Great Britain celebrate winning the Investec Private Banking International - credit Chris Lee

(Great Britain squad after 2-1 win over Japan. Photo Credit: Chris Lee)

The visitors took the lead in the 25th minute from the spot as Yukari Yamamoto converted a penalty stroke. However, a second half brace from Alex Danson, with the winner coming just two minutes from time, was enough for Great Britain to secure the victory.

Danny Kerry’s side dominated the opening quarter with Reading teammates Danson and Susie Gilbert looking threatening in attack. Gilbert forced the first penalty corner of the match after linking up smartly with Danson, but the resultant strike from Zoe Shipperley was saved by Sakiyo Asano between the posts.

Against the run of play, Japan took the lead in the 25th minute when they were awarded a penalty stroke following a foot on the line. Yamamoto held her nerve, sending Maddie Hinch the wrong way and converting low to the keeper’s left to give her side a 1-0 lead heading into half time.

Great Britain continued to pile the pressure on the Japanese defence in the third quarter and were rewarded for their persistence in the 42nd minute. A through ball from Helen Richardson-Walsh, who was playing in her 250th combined Great Britain and England international match, found Alex Danson in the circle and the number 15 kept her composure to round Asano and sweep home to draw the scores level.

The Great Britain forwards continued to threaten in the final quarter with Joie Leigh and Sarah Robertson causing problems in the Japanese circle.

Two minutes from time the hosts found the winner with a well-worked penalty corner routine as Captain Kate Richardson-Walsh’s pass set up a diving Danson to deflect in hers and Great Britain’s second of the match.

Great Britain Danson

(Alex Danson’s two goals ensured a win for Great Britain over Japan. Photo Credit: Chris Lee)

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