ODIHAM hockey star Alex Danson scored her 102nd international goal which proved to be the winner as England beat Ireland 3-2, which secured them top place finish in Pool A at the World Hockey League Semi-Finals.

England raced into a 2-0 half-time lead through Sarah Haycroft and Shona McCallin before Ireland produced a stunning comeback to level after the break.

But Danson’s strike in the 43rd minute restored the lead for her side who saw off late Irish pressure to seal the win and their place at the top of their pool.

Tomorrow (2.45pm GMT), England are in quarter-final action against India.