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England beat South Korea for first Champions Trophy win

2009 Men's Champions Trophy
Venue: Melbourne, Australia Dates: 28 November to 6 December
Coverage: Highlights and match reports on the BBC Sport website

England celebrate beating South Korea

Champions Trophy hockey - England beat South Korea

England finally claimed their first victory at the Champions Trophy in Melbourne, beating South Korea 4-2.

The tournament has been disappointing for England, losing three matches and drawing the remaining tie.

But goals from Ali Wilson, Nick Catlin, Richard Alexander and Richard Mantell restored some pride versus South Korea.

England, surprise European champions after beating Germany in August, now face Spain on Sunday to decide fifth place in the six-team tournament.

Team members had labelled the English "contenders" in advance of the annual event and, though results have proved otherwise, head coach Jason Lee decalred himself satisfied after the victory over South Korea.

The players are starting to understand their jobs the longer the tournament has gone on, and today they really showed that

Jason Lee

"I think we've played well throughout the tournament," he said. "Our inexperience has shown on occasions and today it probably showed again a couple of times, costing us goals both in terms of conceding them and not scoring at the other end.

"In some of the other games we haven't started strongly but the players are starting to understand their jobs the longer the tournament has gone on, and today they really showed that with a good start."

Twenty-year-old Catlin scored his first senior international goal in the win, having been handed his first Champions Trophy start by Lee.

"Nick has had a very strong tournament, especially considering he has really only just come into the squad," said the coach.

"He has caused some very established international defenders real problems and I think he can go on to develop even further."

Spain, the team England must beat on Sunday to avoid finishing last, are the only other team Lee's side have avoided losing to in the tournament.

James Tindall - England's top scorer of the tournament, with three goals to his name - scored twice in their 3-3 draw against the Spanish last Sunday.



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see also
England's wait for win continues
03 Dec 09 |  Hockey
England beaten again by Australia
01 Dec 09 |  Hockey
England held to draw with Spain
29 Nov 09 |  Hockey
England lose to Germany in opener
28 Nov 09 |  Hockey
Hockey on the BBC
17 Aug 07 |  Hockey
Crista Cullen's guide to hockey
07 Aug 08 |  Hockey
Basic rules of hockey
05 Oct 05 |  Hockey


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