Hockey: Double raises spirits: No substitute for Crutchley's striking power as double helping gives England the edge

England. .2

Ireland. .1

BOBBY CRUTCHLEY, the Hounslow striker, scored two superbly taken goals and lifted the gloom brought on by the wet weather as England beat Ireland 2-1 in the international at Milton Keynes yesterday. It was a nondescript game in which there was plenty of action but little co-ordination.

Ireland, who had not won on English soil since their 1-0 victory at Edgbaston in 1939, were the first to threaten danger, through David McAnulty, the left wing. Several dazzling runs by Don Williams down England's wing looked promising but they simply fizzled out.

A double English substitution in the 23rd minute introduced Crutchley and Chris Mayer into the attack with immediate success. Andy Humphrey sent Mayer racing away down the right and Crutchley dived full length to prod home Mayer's perfect cross from the right at full-stretch.

The new combination nearly repeated the act on the stroke of half-time but not before Daniel Clarke wasted a good chance to put Ireland on terms a few minutes earlier.

The second half saw England encamped in the Irish half for long periods before John Shaw unlocked their defence at England's fifth penalty corner to set up Crutchley for his second goal, a powerful flick into the roof of the net from a penalty corner.

Ireland's consolation came with two minutes remaining, McAnulty taking advantage of a hesitant England defence to slot home Robin Madeley's cross.

ENGLAND: D Luckes (E Grinstead); A Humphrey (Welton), R Hill (Havant), J Halls (O Loughtonians), M Sutton (Bournville); J Shaw (capt, Southgate), J Laslett, S Nicklin (both Teddington); D Williams (Havant), R Thompson (Hounslow), P McGuire (Teddington). Subs used: S Rowlands (Havant), C Mayer (Cannock), R Davies (Harleston Magpies), B Crutchley (Hounslow).

IRELAND: R Geddis; A Dowd (both Lisnagarvey); P Hollway (Instonians), G Steritt (Cliftonville), C Hade (Dublin YMCA); J Kirkwood (Lisnagarvey), M Sloan (capt, Cookstown), R Johnson (Three Rock Rovers); D Clarke (Lisnagarvey), A Dunne (Cork Church of Ireland), D McAnulty (Banbridge). Sub used: R Madeley (Three Rock Rovers).

Umpires: J Halfacre (England) and S Clarke (Ireland).

(Photograph omitted)