Hockey: Last-minute goal sends side to the bottom of table

By TERRY MADDAFORD and NZPA

New Zealand dropped to the foot of the points table after a controversial 3-2 loss to Spain at the men's Champions Challenge tournament in South Africa yesterday.

A field goal to Spain's Rodrigo Garza after a turnover in time added on sunk the New Zealanders and left them without a win from three matches.

They were sixth of the six sides after upset results in the other two matches, in which South Africa downed Korea 3-2 and Malaysia beat England 4-1.

The New Zealanders were hoping for a change of fortune against South Africa early today.

There was hope that Hayden Shaw would return to action for the must-win clash.

New Zealand manager Arvind Jasmat said it was a heartbreaking loss.

"We played well enough to have got away with a draw. It was a bit demoralising," he said from Johannesburg.

"Defensively, we didn't clear the ball in the last minute, turned it over and that little lapse cost us."

Coach Charlie Oscroft added: "The guys played with a lot of pride. They were awesome. It was a brilliant game, with Ryan Archibald outstanding."

Oscroft is guiding the team in the absence of national coach Kevin Towns.

New Zealand took an early lead when Umesh Parag opened the scoring with a field goal in the eighth minute.

From 1-1 at halftime, Bevan Hari reclaimed the lead four minutes after the break, but Spain levelled two minutes later to set up a tense final half-hour.

Both teams had chances to win it in the remaining minutes, but it was not until the clock had registered two minutes and 21 seconds overtime that the Spanish scored following a controversial decision by the Korean umpire to call New Zealand back and award Spain a free-hit near the New Zealand goal.

It was New Zealand's third straight loss to Spain.

New Zealand were without Shaw, their drag-flick penalty corner king, who was resting a groin strain.

New Zealand were now virtually out of contention for a finals spot.