Argentina stunned as Hoskin steals in

Hockey: Great Britain 1 Argentina 1

Hockey

PETER COLWILL

Great Britain 1 Argentina 1

David Whittle, the Great Britain manager, should be highly satisfied by the start his men's team made to their warm-up for the Olympic qualifying campaign, drawing with Argentina at Hounslow on Saturday after beating them 4-2 at Reading last week.

These were Britain's first internationals for 18 months and Whittle used them to look at 22 players, omitting seven certainties for the Olympic qualifier in Barcelona in January.

Argentina, who finished seventh in the World Cup and who have already qualified for the Olympics as Pan American champions, are a fast and skilful side who provided a stiff challenge.

Howard Hoskin, playing only his second international had a goal disallowed in the seventh minute for a borderline offside, but the slightly built Reading midfield player was on hand to score the British equaliser.

Argentina went ahead in the 18th minute. Jorge Lombi rattled the crossbar and the rebound resulted in the second of their three penalty corners. Alasdair Seaton did well to save the first shot from Maximilliano Caldas, but was helpless as Leandro Baccarro swept the rebound into the net.

Ten minutes later Britain were level. A quick free hit by Soma Singh released Ben Sharpe down the right. As his cross came over Danny Hall was impeded, but the British bench were quick to applaud the excellent advantage played by the umpire, Hamish Jamson, which allowed Hoskin to steal in unnoticed at the far post.

GREAT BRITAIN: A Seaton (Old Loughtonians); Soma Singh (Southgate), P Edwards (Cannock), S Hazlitt (Hounslow, capt), J Wallis (Teddington), A Colclough (Teddington), B Sharpe (Cannock), J Lee (Old Loughtonians), D Hall (Guildford), H Hoskin (Reading), R Crutchley (Cannock). Substitutes used: D Luckes (East Grinstead), D Williams (Guildford), A Boyse (East Grinstead), C Giles (Havant).

ARGENTINA: R Schmitt; J Querejeta, F Morresi, M Caldas, E Pailos, D Ruiz, G Minadeo, A Doherty (capt), R Perez, J Lombi, L Baccarro. Substitutes used: G Muir, D Chiodo.

n Old Loughtonians suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 2-1 to Southgate who go two points clear at the top of the National League. Cannock, who drew 2-2 with Barford Tigers remain second ahead of Reading and Old Loughtonians on goal difference. Calum Giles converted four corners, but it was not enough as Surbiton, with three goals from Richard Elmitt, beat Havant 5-4.