Hockey: Two Forgesson goals lift Black Sticks

Two second half Krystal Forgesson goals helped New Zealand beat Malaysia 4-2 in the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup women's hockey tournament in New Delhi, India, last night.

After conceding two goals in the first 30 minutes, a three-goal burst by New Zealand in the second half left Malaysia stunned.

"There was no way we were going to lose (this one)," Black Sticks manager Kay Noakes told NZPA.

After two wins, one draw and a loss, in order to qualify for tomorrow's final New Zealand have to hope India can beat Australia by more than two goals today.

India are already in the final.

The Black Sticks have conceded five goals and scored seven, while Australia have two wins and a draw, conceding two goals and scoring six in the process.

Assistant coach Sue McLeish said the team beat Malaysia through sheer perseverance, whereas in other games they had deviated away from the gameplan.

"Even at 2-0 down, they were still trying to do what they were asked to do -- a little bit more composure on the ball, sticking to the plan, and just knowing that it was going to work if they stuck to it."

The Black Sticks were 2-0 down after 30 minutes, after Siti Noor Ruhani converted a penalty corner and Kannagi Arumugam drove home after dribbling past the goalkeeper.

Canterbury's Honor Dillon led the fightback in the 32nd minute when she seized on a cross to slot home.

In the second half, the Black Sticks tore at their opponents from the start.

Manawatu striker Kayla Sharland pulled them level after a goalmouth melee in the 41st minute.

Auckland striker Forgesson then capped a sterling performance with goals in the 46 and 58 minutes.

First, she picked up a rebound off the goal-post and fired home, then scored a second off a penalty corner rebound.

"The penalty corner strike went to the right of the goal -- Krystal did a very well executed reverse trap and then just swung on it and roofed it into the goal," McLeish said.

McLeish described the victory as a great team performance, singling out Forgesson, Dillon and Sharland for particular acclaim.

"Sharland has been pretty solid throughout most of our games -- she's quite a leader on the field so it was nice to see her rewarded today."

McLeish said that if the team made the final, "they would fancy their chances much more after today".

"We now have the belief to stick to a plan and (if the Black Sticks make the final) you will see a really good game of hockey," she said.

- NZPA