S Korea end England hopes of winning London Cup

LONDON: England's chances of winning the London Cup ended with a 5-4 defeat by South Korea here on Wednesday.

Both sides had to win after first round losses to stand a chance of making it through to the final and it was the visitors who enjoyed a narrow victory.

England saw first-half goals from Jonty Clarke and captain Barry Middleton cancelled by Lee Nam-Yong's double to ensure the teams remained all square at half-time at 2-2.

The home side forged a 4-2 lead through Mark Pearn and a second goal from Middleton yet let it slip as Lee completed his hat-trick and Jang Jong-Hyun tied the game at 4-4.

And three minutes from time South Korea's fightback was completed when You Hyo-Sik scored from a penalty corner.

It was the second time in as many matches though that England had squandered a two-goal lead following a 4-2 defeat by Belgium.

England's final pool match is against New Zealand on Friday. The Kiwis are already through to the final on Saturday after Nick Wilson's late strike secured a 3-2 win over Belgium.