ODIHAM hockey star Alex Danson did everything but score, as England booked their semi-final place at the European Championships with a 2-0 win over Italy on Tuesday evening at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The forward fired just wide in the first quarter and was then was denied by a great save before the end of the first-half from Italian goalkeeper Martina Chirico as it remained goalless at the break.
In the third quarter, England were awarded a penalty flick after a goal bound shot hit an Italian foot. Danson stepped up to take the flick, but put ball low and wide of the post.
In the final quarter, the Odiham forward was denied again this time by the post, but by then England had taken the lead as Helen Richardson-Walsh scored with a tap in, just before the third quarter hooter.
The home side who dominated the game added a second goal on the hour mark from Nicola White.
England's final group game is against Germany on Wednesday night (7.30pm) and they need to win to make sure they top the group and avoid the impressive Netherlands team in the semi-finals.
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