Tournament news

England overpower Germany

England gave their World Championship hopes a major boost with a thrilling victory over Germany at The Royal National College for the Blind on Saturday.

Following a drab 0-0 draw on Friday evening the England team stepped up the pressure on their German counterparts with the outstanding Jon Gribbin a constant threat to the stubborn Germans.

Gribbin hit the post twice in the first half and had shots saved at close range by the German goalkeeper Sascha Mueller as England failed to break the deadlock in the first half.

A near capacity crowd of 235 watched as Gribbin put England ahead moments after the half time break with a stunning strike.

As England piled on the pressure, Germany crumbled and conceded a penalty which was converted by England captain, Dave Clarke.

England poured forward in the closing stages and were thwarted by Mueller and the woodwork as Gribbin once again hit the post with a shot.

Gribbin received a standing ovation when he was substituted towards the end of the game as England Head Coach Tony Larkin made several changes to his line up and formation.

Larkin commented, "The team improved greatly following their performance on Friday night and we are happy at this stage with the progress they are making ahead of the World Championship.

"Germany proved to be tough opponents and gave us a real test".

England - Dan James (GK), Lewis Skyers (GK), Dan English, Robin Williams, Keryn Seal, Owen Bainbridge, Craig Lundberg, Jonathan Heenan, Dave Clarke (captain) and Jon Gribbin.

Germany - Sascha Mueller (GK), Alex Fangmann, Sven Schwarze, Lukas Smirek, Sebastian Schaefer, Cengiz Dinc, Michael Wahl, Mulgheta Russom, Heinrich Niehaus and Moritz Klotz (GK).

Story added: 18-04-2010

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