Glasgow 2014: England overcome Wales in hockey

ENGLAND had to work hard to overcome a gritty Welsh side 2-0 to get their campaign off to a positive start in Pool B of the women’s hockey tournament.

The England team celebrate with Alex Danson of England after she scored during the preliminary match between England and Wales. Picture: Getty

After finishing 11th out of 12 nations at last month’s World Cup finals, a performance which cost coach Jason Lee his job, England were under pressure to underline their credentials as serious Commonwealth Games gold medal contenders.

Both teams enjoyed noisy backing from their supporters in a decent crowd at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre, although the 5,000 capacity venue was some way short of full.

Alex Danson gave England a 1-0 half-time lead with her 44th goal for her country. Wales, who included Xenna Hughes, daughter of Stoke City manager Mark, in their line-up defended admirably throughout and occasionally threatened on the counter-attack. White finally sealed the points seven minutes from time with a sliding finish from a penalty corner.