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FIH Pro League, Great Britain records exciting win

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Saizel S
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FIH Pro League, Great Britain records exciting win
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FIH Pro League, Great Britain records exciting win The success of any sporting event depends upon the level of excitement it generates. Closely fought games not only attract ardent followers of the sport but also add value to the event. When the International Hockey Federation (FIH) decided to launch its Pro League at the end of its elite Champions Trophy, it probably had in its mind to make the competition exciting with home and away games. The first few  fixtures have already  produced so much of  excitement and drama that withdrawal of Pakistan from the premium event has quietly dlid into background. After Spain came back from behind to hold the World Cup champions to a 2-2 draw and then scored 2-0 win in the penalty shoot out in the opener last week, Great Britain scripted yet another exciting finish. Also Read: Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup: Spain strokes out Belgium to enter last 8
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FIH Pro League, Great Britain records exciting win FIH Pro League, Great Britain records exciting win In what was a great advert for the new competition, Great Britain came from 4-1 down to record a stunning victory after successfully defending three penalty corners in the final few seconds as both teams saw the importance of victory and left everything on the pitch in search of the win. Just a few days earlier, Spain scored twice in the last minute before winning their opening match in a shootout, so the new global league has started superbly. Every game matters in the FIH Pro League, and that much was evident as either side fought valiantly throughout the match. Adam Dixon recorded a brace with Zach Wallace, Mark Gleghorne, Phil Roper and David Condon also getting on the scoresheet. Head Coach Danny Kerry was left understandably very upbeat with the result. “I’m delighted for the lads, as well as the staff. “We were rusty in the first half, but after that we played with both brains and skill. I’m sure it made for excellent viewing in our very first Pro League game. Now we go onwards!” Spain got off to the perfect start, scoring within the opening two minutes after a dangerous cross from the right baseline was met by Xavi Lleonart. Great Britain responded quickly through Dixon with a clean strike sailing past Mario Garin in goal. The hosts continued to press forward, coming close to scoring through a penalty corner only to be denied by a fine save from Harry Gibson. Spain couldn’t be halted in a free-scoring first quarter as Marc Bolto put the hosts 2-1 up with less than ten minutes played. Also Read: Sultan of Johor Hockey: India, Japan make winning start There were to be two further goals from Spain as Diego Arana and Albert Beltran both got onto the scoresheet for the rampant Redsticks with little more than ten minutes on the clock. Wallace did make the breakthrough for Great Britain for the final goal of the half as intricate play inside the inner circle was well finished by the Surbiton man. That momentum continued into the second-half for Great Britain with Sam Ward and Chris Griffiths firing wide before Gleghorne successfully found the target from a penalty corner. Another penalty corner swiftly followed, this time Dixon bagging his brace with a well improvised finish from close-range. Also Read: Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup: Three goals in final quarter gets Australia 3 points Within a minute of the final quarter commencing Great Britain were back in front thanks to a superb strike from Phil Roper from the edge of the circle, putting the score at 5-4. As the clock ran down Great Britain looked to have put the game out of sight as Sam Ward’s shot was blocked by a man on the line, however it fell directly to David Condon who finished well on the volley. With less than three minutes remaining Spain pulled one back through Alvaro Iglesias from a corner routine to ensure a frantic final few minutes. It was to be a nervy finish as Great Britain had to defend three penalty corners within the final few seconds of the match with excellent defensive work seeing the game out. -PTC NEWS-
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