The Hockeyroos have won game one of the six test series against Japan 1-0, in Melbourne, Australia.
Angie Lambert was the hero for the Hockeyroos, slapping one past Japan's keeper six minutes from full-time to give Australia the win after both sides dominated periods of play but failed to make inroads on the scoreboard.
In an entertaining game of hockey, the Hockeyroos began well, moving the ball with speed and working well through the midfield, trying to break the crowded Japanese defence. They had a couple of penalty corner chances in the first half but weren't able to capitalise and find the net.
After the break Japan began to gain the ascendancy through the midfield and get on top of the Hockeyroos, having a couple of penalty corner chances of their own. Some good defence from Imison, in front of her home crowd, kept the visitors at bay.
With ten minutes left on the clock both teams lifted their tempo, searching for that elusive goal. The Hockeyroos had a very good opportunity from a penalty corner but Lambert's drag flick struck the cross bar and Japan cleared the ball. Shortly after though she found her range and guided through another penalty corner for the win.
National coach, Frank Murray, was reasonably happy with the Hockeyroos performance on the night. 'I thought it was a very good game of hockey,' he said.
'I thought they played well, and so did we considering the conditions. They've got a congested defence so when you get it in there you have to make the most of your opportunities. We had opportunities in the first half and they got on top in the second but we managed to get back on top and scramble a goal late.'
'We'll take the win and go away and work on some areas of our game. I thought our defense was good but we've got to get better in deep attack.'
Both teams will enjoy a rest on Friday before playing back-to-back games on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
Source: Hockey Australia
