Hockey: Korea keep series alive

Hugo Inglis scored twice for New Zealand. Photo / Ron Burgin

Korea kept alive the five-test series against the Black Sticks men's hockey side with a 4-2 victory last night at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga, Auckland.

After two Kiwi victories last weekend, the visitors came from two goals down tonight to collect the win and keep the series alive going into the final matches tomorrow and Sunday.

Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod said he was bitterly disappointed with the result and felt the team was complacent after going two goals up.

"I thought the error rate in defence was far too high. The Koreans set a game plan to counter attack and we played into their hands. Korea are a good side and they will punish you.''

McLeod said the loss would certainly help the team focus on the final two matches in the series.

New Zealand came out firing and within three minutes were 1-0 up after Hugo Inglis finished off a strong attacking move involving Ryan Archibald and Simon Child.

Inglis added a second 10 minutes later after a goalmouth scramble.

Korea were awarded a penalty corner after 22 minutes and Nam Yong Lee converted the opportunity to take the score to 2-1.

Some strong goalkeeping from Stephen Graham denied the Koreans adding to that score in the first spell but a second-half hat-trick from Lee, including two penalty corner goals, put them in control.

Nick Wilson, in his 100th test for the Black Sticks, missed the opportunity to claw one back with about five minutes to go, shooting high over the net.

RESULTS
Full time: 4-2 (Korea win)
Half time: 2-1(New Zealand lead)

New Zealand goalscorers: Hugo Inglis 2