Craddock grabs winner as England see off China

CHARLOTTE Craddock grabbed the winner as England came from behind to down China and guarantee themselves at least fourth spot at the Samsung FIH Champions Trophy in Nottingham.

WINNER: Charlotte Craddock celebrates with her England teammates after bagging the winning goal against China (Ady Kerry)

Craddock found the net on 52 minutes after Helen Richardson had cancelled out Ma Yibo's opener for the Olympic silver medallists - meaning England will definitely have a shot at a medal on Sunday.

England's last win over China came at the 2006 World Cup when goals from Alex Danson and Crista Cullen, either side of one from Lucilla Wright, led England to a 3-0 victory.

After a cagey start England fell behind to Ma Yibo's penalty corner in the 12th minute and they were still behind at half time having created few real opportunities for an equaliser. 

The second half was an entirely different matter as England created and converted opportunities to turn the game.  Home favourite Richardson found the target for the third time in the tournament ten minutes into the second half before Craddock reacted quickly to score her first senior goal for England.

The victory takes England to nine points from their four matches and guarantees them at least a place in Sunday's bronze medal match with the possibility of going one better if they can beat New Zealand on Saturday.

England head coach Danny Kerry said: "In the second half we were good for our win.  We turned our possession into chances and took them. I'm delighted for the girls.

"It was a case of once bitten, twice shy.  At the last Champions Trophy we attacked and attacked and got turned over on the counter attack.  Today we were more measured in our approach."