Hockey: England survive Laslett's adventures

Jason Laslett enjoyed a manic last minute, being sent off moments after giving England a winning 6-5 lead over Sweden in the European Indoor Cup Qualifier, writes Brian Tatlock from Lille, France. With Bob Crutchley, the scorer of five goals in Friday's 8-3 victory over the Czechs, sidelined with a knee injury, England struggled to impose themselves. Casualness in midfield and inept finishing led them close to disaster, but they were saved when Laslett converted a penalty stroke in the final minute. However, Laslett then hit the ball away at a free hit and was sent off, leaving England to hang on. They wasted easy chances after Phil McGuire gave them the lead in the opening minute and they allowed the Swedes to lead 3-1 and 4-3. McGuire completed his hat-trick, and Don Williams and Soma Singh also scored.