Australia has won the six-test series against Japan with two games left to play, after taking out game four in Adelaide.
In another tough, fast match, the Hockeyroos' defense was again very strong, while the form of first gamer, Ashleigh Nelson and fellow eighteen year old, Casey Eastham, was particularly pleasing. Both girls doing their
The match began well for the Hockeyroos, their early movement and ball control was impressive as they created width to counter the thick Japanese defense.
There were a few opportunities early but neither team was able to break the deadlock and went into half time with the scores at 0-0.
After the break it was much the same as both sides fought for the ascendancy in the midfield and looked for their opportunities in attack.
In the 44th minute though the Hockeyroos managed to break through when a wonderful baseline cross from Angie Lambert pinpointed Teneal Attard whose deft touch sent the ball flying past the keeper's right shoulder for a great deflected goal.
It could very well have been 2-0 a few minutes later after Ashleigh Nelson drew a penalty corner with some strong work, Angie Lambert's drag flick went perilously close, slamming into the left post.
With five minutes left on the clock
"We can play better than that," said national coach, Frank Murray.
"In the end though, we got the win so that was good. We've got some work to do, we need to be stronger over the ball and our turnovers tonight let us down."
"I was happy with the performances of young Casey Eastham and Ashleigh Nelson. It was good to give them these opportunities in
The series now moves to
Source: Hockey
