GB Men defeat Spain in FIH League opener

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Spain 5 (4)
Lleonart (FG, 2); Bolto (FG, 7); Arana (FG, 9); Beltran (FG, 11); Iglesias (FG, 58)

Great Britain 6 (2)
Dixon (FG, 3; PC, 41); Wallace (FG, 22); Gleghorne (PC, 40); Roper (FG, 47); Condon (FG, 57)

When world governing body the FIH first sat down and discussed introducing the new global FIH Pro League, they could only have imagined the first fixtures would produce such excitement and drama.

In what was a great advert for the new competition, Great Britain came from 4-1 down to record a stunning victory after successfully defending three penalty corners in the final few seconds as both teams saw the importance of three points and left everything on the pitch in search of the win.

Just a few days earlier, Spain scored twice in the last minute before winning their opening match in a shootout, so the new global league has started superbly.

Every game matters in the FIH Pro League, and that much was evident as either side fought valiantly throughout the match. Adam Dixon recorded a brace with Zach Wallace, Mark Gleghorne, Phil Roper and David Condon also getting on the scoresheet.

Head Coach Danny Kerry was left understandably upbeat with the result. “I’m delighted for the lads, as well as the staff.

“We were rusty in the first half, but after that we played with both brains and skill. I’m sure it made for excellent viewing in our very first Pro League game. Now we go onwards!”

Next up for Great Britain in the FIH Pro League is an away fixture against New Zealand, which will be played live on BT Sport at 6am on Friday 8 February.

Interviews
Players are available for interview. Please contact jonny.tuddenham@englandhockey.co.uk with details of who you would like to speak to.

Starting XI: Gibson, Ames, Forsyth, Ward, Gleghorne, Roper (c), Dixon, Creed, Condon, Sanford, Wallace
Subs: C Griffiths, Taylor, Waller, Smith, Gall, Weir, Pinner