Professional Hockey League: England survives the fight to defeat Spain

The England men survived a Spanish uprising to claim a 4-2 win in Valencia and move level on points with the Netherlands at the top of the PHL table.

England took the lead after just three minutes through Jacob Payton before Sam Ward doubled their lead from a corner kick.

Two goals from Jose Pastera in each half earned Spain an equaliser, before Stuart Rushmere put England back in front.

Spain had the opportunity to equalize two minutes before the end, but was unable to take advantage of a corner kick, before England advanced on the field on the counter to achieve victory through Ward’s second goal.

England maintained second place in the standings on goal difference behind the Netherlands, with both teams obtaining 15 points from eight matches.

England Women bounced back from defeat to the Netherlands on Monday with a 2-0 win over China.

Grace Balsdon put England ahead with a shot from a corner, before goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard made a series of saves in the third quarter.

China continued to press in the last quarter, searching for an equaliser, but it was England that scored again, this time through a deflected Tessa Howard shot.

With this victory, England remains in fifth place with seven points.