MATTHEW Ramshaw, who started his hockey career playing for Airedale Hockey Club, now Aire Valley HC, as a five-year-old at Oakbank School, scored twice on his England debut.

His strikes proved vital too, helping England secure a thrilling 5-4 win over France.

England were ahead after 60 seconds with a stunning goal from David Goodfield, then six mins later Ramshaw deflected the ball past the French keeper from close range with only his second touch of the ball.

France came back with two goals shortly before half-time.

Veteran Sam Ward restored England’s lead in the first minute of the second half but France then dominated and score twice to go ahead with 14 minutes remaining.

England withdrew their goalkeeper with five minutes to go to give them 11 outfield players, which allowed them to gain control and quickly win a penalty corner.

Ramshaw was given shooting responsibility and fire home his second and the equaliser from the top of the D.

Ward was again on target from another penalty corner with just 65 seconds left on the clock to seal the win for England.

The game was part of the FIH Pro League, which puts the top 10 national teams into a six-month league competition and acts as crucial build up to this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Twenty-two-year-old Ramshaw started playing hockey in Keighley before moving to Ilkley-based Ben Rhydding for a couple of seasons, before heading off to Loughborough University.

He was contracted to England hockey earlier this year as a full-time professional and now plays for Premier Division side Hampstead and Westminster.

He has represented England at under-16, u18 and u21 level and was the youngest member of the GB u23 team at the age of just 17 in 2017, when he was voted the most promising young player by the sports writers’ association.

Ramshaw’s mum, dad and younger sister are all still active at Aire Valley HC and the England prospect himself frequently returns to show his support too.

The club still play at Oakbank and has plans to improve the facilities in the town.