10:31pm Thursday 4th March 2010
ENGLAND won their third consecutive match at the World Cup when they beat Pakistan 5-2 in New Delhi today with former Old Southendian star Jonty Clarke bagging a brace.
Clarke and Barry Middleton both scored twice as England went top of Pool B although victory was overshadowed after Richard Mantell was taken to hospital with a suspected ankle dislocation.
England returned to action following victories over Australia and South Africa and signalled their intent with James Tindall scoring within three minutes although it was disallowed after Pakistan's defenders appealed the ball had been played above shoulder height.
Despite losing defender Richard Smith to a two-minute suspension, England were soon ahead, Tindall sending a powerful pass across the circle which was met by the diving Clarke and he drove home.
England doubled their lead after 32 minutes when Middleton's pass evaded the Pakistan defence and was knocked in at the back post by Ashley Jackson.
However, Pakistan responded and they pulled one back after 45 minutes, Shakeel Abassi holding off both goalkeeper James Fair and Glenn Kirkham before firing the ball home.
Five minutes later England suffered a double blow when Mantell suffered an injury and Pakistan levelled from their fourth corner.
Mantell collided with Muhammad Irfan and while he was down, the ball went through to Rehan Butt, who slotted home.
However, Middleton put England back in front after 53 minutes after a poor clearance from keeper Salman Akbar and their two goal-lead was restored nine minutes later when the goalkeeper left his near post exposed and Clarke fired home.
Middleton scored the final goal from Clarke's pass to complete victory.
Manager Andy Halliday said: "In the first half we took all that Pakistan threw at us and scored two cracking counter attacking goals.
"In the second half, Pakistan battled back into it. And then we lost Rich. In that phase of the game they put us under intense pressure and to battle back like we did after losing a key player was absolutely outstanding."
England play India in their next match on Saturday.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/trade_directory/