Ash Nelson Strikes Series Win for Hockeyroos

The Hockeyroos have defeated Argentina for the third straight match to claim a best of five series with two matches remaining against the world ranked number two team.

Playing against the 2008 Beijing Olympic bronze medallists and reigning 2009 Champions Trophy gold medallists, this series win is particularly special for the Hockeyroos given it has been played in front of a patriotic crowd in Mendoza, Argentina.

The last time the Hockeyroos defeated Argentina three games in a row was during 1999 – 2000.

Despite coming off a series victory against Spain last week, the Hockeyroos entered this series against Argentina on a learning curve, willing to try new structures and game plans for long term benefit. However this series win proves they are still up there with the best teams in the world.

After dropping the first two games of the series, Argentina came out looking to take control of game three with some ferocious attacks throughout the first half, seemingly catching the Hockeyroos off guard.

Despite recording more circle penetrations and seven more shots on goal, Argentina were held scoreless in the first half, due most certainly to the defensive efforts of Australian goalkeeper Toni Cronk.

With both teams tiring in the second half, the match became much more even with the Hockeyroos taking their chances in front of goal early in the term.

The breakthrough goal came via a penetrating pass from Teneal Attard who found Amy Korner in the circle. Korner’s reverse stick pass went across the face of goal which enabled West Australian striker Ashleigh Nelson to score from point blank range.

Nelson has been in superb form in 2009, scoring 12 goals in her last nine games after struggling to establish herself a permanent spot in the team in 2008.

The two teams will next play on Wednesday 14 October before the series concludes with the final match on Friday 16 October.

– Hockey Australia