Hockey: Nicholson performs key role in 250th match

Mandy Nicholson, the Slough defender, celebrated her 250th international appearance with her first international goal for nearly three years as England beat Spain 3-1 in their final Pool game in the Korean Telecom Cup in Busan yesterday.

England maintained their unbeaten record and moved three points clear of Korea - their opponents in today's final - who were beaten 2-0 by South Africa. Nicholson is only the third English player, following in the footsteps of Karen Brown and Jane Sixsmith, to have reached the 250 milestone.

Yesterday, after Spain took the lead in the 27th minute through Raquel Huertas, England hauled themselves back into the game in the second half with Leisa King pouncing on a rebound at a penalty corner three minutes after the resumption. Nicholson then deflected home a well worked corner in the 47th minute, with Jane Smith putting the game beyond doubt with a reverse stick shot.

ENGLAND: K Roberts; R Walsh, K Walsh, F Houslop; S Blanks, A Panter, M Clewlow, R Walker; J Ellis, L King, P Miller. Substitutes used: M Nicholson, L Wright, J Bimson, J Smith (capt), H Grant, A Bennett.

KOREAN TELECOM CUP (Busan, South Korea) Fifth day: Korea 0 South Africa 2; England 3 Spain 1; Australia 1 Netherlands 0. Final Pool standings: 1 England 13pts, 2 Korea 10, 3 South Africa 8, 4 Australia 7, 5 Spain 2, 6 Netherlands 1.