Glasgow 2014

England edged out by New Zealand in men's hockey

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 29 July 2014

Simon Roper's late goal secures victory for New Zealand in their preliminary-round clash with England.

England have been edged out 2-1 by New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games men's hockey preliminary round.

The game was tightly-contested during the first half, with both sides unable to find a way through at the National Hockey Centre.

Adam Dixon of Engalnd celebrates after scoring a goal during the men's preliminaries match between New Zealand and England at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre during day six of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on July 29, 2014 © Getty Images

New Zealand did manage to make the breakthrough midway into the second 35 minutes, however, and it was through Andy Hayward's penalty stroke after Phil Burrows was adjudged to have been shoved over.

But the Kiwis' lead did not last long, with Adam Dixon being picked out by Phil Roper to smash the ball into the roof of the net with 10 minutes remaining.

England went in search of a winner, but New Zealand clinched the contest courtesy of Simon Child's thumped effort from a rebound to make it 2-1.

The victory for New Zealand means that they now look certain to top the group, which in turn sets up a semi-final meeting between England and Australia later this week.