England's men snatch hockey victory

28 July 2002

A dramatic and controversial penalty gives hosts England a 2-1 victory over Canada in the men’s Pool 4.

Jon Wyatt fired England's first goal

The first half ended with no score after home favourites England had missed a number of chances.

The crowd’s hopes were raised in the 32nd minute when Danny Hall, back after injury, almost put England ahead, but his shot hit the post and rebounded clear.

But less than 10 minutes into the second half Jon Wyatt put England on the scoreboard with a rocket of a short corner.

The vocal crowd were dismayed just minutes later when Canada’s Robert Short put the ball past Jimi Lewis, taking over in goal from Simon Mason, to level the match.

But then with just two minutes remaining and the match tied, England were awarded a penalty flick, as a result of a goalmouth scramble, much to the anger of the Canadian goalkeeper and his teammates.

Dave Matthews coolly converted the stroke to put England in front, and with Jimi Lewis pulling off two great saves in the final two minutes, they came out winners.

Info News Service/jb/dm/sdb