NOW: Pensions Nations Cup: Netherlands men beat England 2-1

The Netherlands team celebrates

The England men’s hockey team put up a fighting display before going down to Olympic silver medallists Netherlands by the odd goal in three in the first match of the NOW: Pensions Nations Cup in Wakefield.

The NOW: Pensions Nations Cup comprises three Test matches between the two teams.

It was a much heart-warming performance by England, who lost to the Dutch by a big margin (6-1) in the recently-held 18th Hamburg Masters hockey tournament. In fact, the red-and-blue brigade had cut a disappointing figure in the Hamburg event, losing to Olympic champions Germany 1-6 before pulling off a consolation 3-2 victory over Ireland to finish third in the event.

The Netherlands, who played out a 2-2 draw with hosts Germany in the Hamburg event, finished second best as the latter enjoyed better goal average to win the crown.

England showed a lot of intensity in the early stages of the match, but the Netherlands soon got into the groove, as Billy Bakker sounded the board in the 14th minute, putting the ball in the top right corner after he was fed by Sander Baart from outside the striking circle.

The Orange brigade seemed to get the measure of their opponents and assumed control over the proceedings. The Netherlands earned their first penalty corner in the 26th minute – Mink Van Der ensured his team profited from it, firing it into the bottom right corner of the goal beating England goal-tender Bailey as they maintained their 2-0 lead at half-time.

England showed more purpose in the second half in pursuit of mounting a fightback. Harry Martin and Phil Roper created several scoring chances but the Dutch defence, led by captain Robert Van Der Horst, stood their ground.

England were rewarded when Tom Carson reduced the deficit in the 50th minute, unleashing a low flick past Dutch goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann.

The home side had twenty minutes to restore parity, but the Dutch dominated possession and did not allow England a close look at their goalmouth.

England fought hard to keep pace with their much-fancied opponents, but there was no doubt about the Dutch supremacy.