Cullen (right) was on target for Great Britain's goal

Great Britain's failure to convert penalty corners proved costly as they lost 2-1 to Olympic silver medallists China at Bisham Abbey.

China scored both of theirs, with captain Baorong Fu opening their account inside 15 minutes.

The visitors extended their lead in the 42nd minute through Ye Ren's swinging flick from the top of the circle.

Britain got one back through Crista Cullen when she converted a penalty corner seven minutes from time.

Great Britain head coach Danny Kerry said: "I'm disappointed in some ways. We didn't execute our penalty corners very well.

"While they scored two from two for us to score one from six was disappointing.

"China played half court today and against that you have to be patient and penetrative - we only really displayed patience today."

The two teams will meet for a second time on Friday.

Kerry handed starts to a number of his less experienced players, including a competitive Great Britain debut for Slough defender Chloe Strong.

The home side threatened early on through Susie Gilbert but the visitors went ahead after Cullen was penalised for a stick tackle on the edge of the circle.

The slip gave Fu the space to fire in a powerful shot, although goalkeeper Beth Storry will be disappointed to have been beaten low to her right.

Britain had chances, with Rachel Walker and Cullen both trying their luck, while the visitors, who had already had two green cards, then saw Qiuling Zheng given a yellow card.

However, China started the second half the brighter and, after Beth Storry saved well from Hongxia Li, Ren converted their second penalty corner to make it 2-0.

The hosts forced three short corners in a row with just over 15 minutes to go and from the second Kate Walsh saw her flick come back off the inside of the far post.

Entering the final 10 minutes Great Britain injected more pace into their game, forcing their opponents on to the back foot and winning yet another brace of penalty corners.

From the second the ever-involved Cullen found her range and she reduced the deficit to 2-1 with a flick inside the right post.

With the home side pressing hard for an equaliser Zheng saw yellow for the second time as she plucked the ball out of the air high above her shoulder.

And looking to make the most of their numerical advantage Britain fired two passes right across the China circle but there was nobody in a position to capitalise and the visitors held on.

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