Argentina recorded their third straight victory away from home as they beat China ©Getty Images

Argentina recorded their third straight victory away from home as they beat China to reduce the gap to current women's International Hockey Federation Pro League leaders The Netherlands.

A solitary goal from Agustina Albertarrio was enough to give Argentina a narrow 1-0 win over hosts China at the Wujin Hockey Stadium in Changzhou.

The result moved Argentina closer to the Dutch side in the Pro League standings.

Argentina now have a points percentage of 72.6 compared with the Dutch, who occupy top spot on 80 per cent.

Las Leonas arrived in the Chinese city having claimed back-to-back away wins over Australia and New Zealand, while China were hoping to build on their recent home victory against Germany.

Argentina were without two of their main goalscorers, Delfina Merino and Carla Rebecchi, but took just 10 minutes to open the scoring.

Agustina Albertarrio scored what proved to be the winning goal as Argentina ground out a 1-0 victory ©Getty Images
Agustina Albertarrio scored what proved to be the winning goal as Argentina ground out a 1-0 victory ©Getty Images

Albertarrio was unmarked in the circle and took full advantage as she found the net via a deflection from Chinese goalkeeper Ye Jiao.

China went in search of an equaliser but were met with strong resistance from a resolute Argentinian defence, which held firm throughout.

The hosts flooded forward in the fourth period in a last-ditch effort to save the game, which proved to be in vain as Argentina saw out a tight victory.

"The match was very hard for us but we are so happy to win and to get the three points," said Argentina's Lucina von der Heyde.

The Pro League continues tomorrow as China's women host New Zealand in Changzhou.