It was a case of ‘job done’ for Team GB as they bounced back from defeat against the Netherlands in their previous game to record a vital 2-0 win over South Africa which keeps their hopes of semi final qualification alive.
South Africa have struggled so far in Beijing. They are yet to score a goal in the tournament and found themselves on the wrong end of a 10-0 thrashing by Australia in their last match.
However Great Britain were not about to become complacent and forced the first penalty corner of the game in the eighth minute. An intricate routine involving Barry Middleton and Ashley Jackson ended with a shot from the latter being smothered by the South African Goalkeeper Hibbert.
A South African defensive mistake allowed Team GB forward Matt Daly to steal the ball and utilise his pace to earn Britain’s second penalty corner moments later. This time a direct drag flick from Richard Mantell was met with a smart save by Hibbert.
Team GB remained patient and the deadlock was finally broken in the 20th minute when a quickly taken sideline hit by Simon Mantell put James Tindall clean through on goal. Tindall made no mistake, cleverly lifting the ball over the advancing keeper with a deft touch into the empty net to give Team GB a slender half time lead.
The beginning of the second period saw Team GB’s forwards working hard off the ball trying to press the South African defence into mistakes.
A foul on the ever creative Middleton brought Team GB a second penalty corner in quick succession, their fourth of the game compared to South Africa’s none. This time Jackson tried his luck but was unable to trouble Hibbert.
A rare moment of panic in the GB defensive area was cleared up by a combination of defender Jon Bleby and Goalkeeper Alistair McGregor to maintain Britain’s lead.
There was no cause for further alarm as Team GB wrapped up the victory in the 66th minute. A dynamic run from captain Ben Hawes cutting in from right set up Daly for a simple finish from close range to ensure the points went to Team GB.
After the match Team GB Head Coach Jason Lee said “I am very pleased with the result, but felt it was our poorest performance of the tournament so far. We looked lethargic and tired at times.”
Midfielder Middleton took the positives from the game, “A win is a win. We want more, but this was a controlled performance. We need to step up a gear in our next match against Canada and take the momentum forward from there.”
Looking ahead to the Canada game Lee said, “We have got a plan for Canada. We will focus on that game and hope to give ourselves an outside chance of semi final qualification.”
Following the match against Canada on Sunday, Team GB will face Australia in a potentially decisive final pool match on Tuesday.”
Click here to view videos of the Team GB men’s hockey squad’s preparations for the Olympic Games.
Go to www.teamgb.com and click on 'Results' to view all the latest Team GB results. Click on 'Team GB' to view profiles of all Team GB athletes.
For further information
Please note Beijing local time is seven hours ahead of BST – if you are based in the UK please contact the London press office, which is operational from 6am to 9pm BST.
London office: 020 8871 2677 ext 215, 233, 227 or 247, or try the 24/7 hotline on +44 7725 372598
Overall queries & canoeing: Miriam Wilkens (Chief Press Officer) +86 1507 720 4293
Badminton, gymnastics, hockey & judo: Emma Griffin (Press Officer) +86 1507 720 4296
Archery, boxing, fencing, tennis & triathlon: Louisa Huddy (Press Officer) +86 1507 720 4295
Cycling, modern pentathlon, shooting, taekwondo & weightlifting: Becks Middleton (Press Officer) +86 1507 720 4294
Athletics: Chris Broadbent (Press Officer) +86 134 88 65 25 41
Equestrian: Winnie Murphy (Press Officer) +852 632 357 66
Rowing: Caroline Searle (Press Officer) +86 1507 720 4414
Sailing: Lindsey Bell (Press Officer) +86 1509 227 0939
Swimming: David Richards (Press Officer) +44 7789 926136