Hockey girls slip up (From The Argus)

Hockey girls slip up

5:24pm Saturday 4th August 2012 in Sport By Andy Naylor

The medal quest for Brighton-born Ashleigh Ball and the GB hockey women has taken an unexpected turn for the worst.

Needing a point to qualify for the semi-finals, they suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat against China at the Riverbank Arena this afternoon.

GB could now miss out if they lose their final game on Monday against group leaders the Netherlands - who are already through - and China beat Japan.

They did not show any urgency until falling behind to two second half goals for China via penalty corners.

Crista Cullen's strike, also from a penalty corner, came too late to save them.

GB captain Katy Walsh returned after fracturing her jaw in the opening win against Japan but Anne Painter was forced off in the first half with a facial injury inflicted accidentally by a Chinese opponent when the ball struck her from close range.