In the final warm up tournament ahead of the Olympics, Great Britain’s Men’s Hockey team came from behind to defeat India 3-1 in tri-nation tournament in Santander, Spain. Goals by James Tindall, Ashley Jackson and Harry Martin for Great Britain cancelled out Shivendra Singh’s early opener.
Shivendra Singh
Indian team started well and were sharp in attack. India took early lead through Shivendra Singh’s deflection on Tushar Khandkar’s cross on counter attack in 3rd minute of the game. Within two minutes, Indian Goalkeeper and Captain Bharat Chetri pulled off a two-stage to deny any chance of scoring to Great Britain’s Rob Moore.
Great Britain scored a equaliser midway through the first half (17th Minute) when James Tindall sent home a loose ball at a penalty corner to make it 1-1 and both teams were locked with score line till the lemon break.
In the opening minutes of 2nd half, GB’s Goalkeeper James Fair pulled off a smart save on near post to deny Tushar Khandkar before Great Britain took control of the game. At 45th minute, GB was awarded with a Penalty Stroke on a stick foul on Tindall that Ashley Jackson converted easily to put GB 2-1 up.
India tried to take advantage of when Great Britain were down to nine men for a short while in the with Jackson and Tindall were serving temporary suspensions. But won a penalty corner, only one of the half.The British defence stood tall and defending the corner to maintain their lead 2-1.
Harry Martin extended the lead for his to make it 3-1 in 62nd minute. Later, the British captain Barry Middleton came close to scoring.
The GB Team Manager Andy Halliday said, “After a stuttering start we found our rhythm and controlled the match for long periods. In the end we deserved our victory today.”
It was the 50th appearance of defender Richard Mantell for Great Britain.
Great Britain have a rest day on Sunday before facing hosts Spain on Monday evening (18:00 BST), while India next take on hosts Spain on July 18. Spain are in Great Britain’s pool – Pool A – at the Olympic Games. India will play in Pool B in London.
GREAT BRITAIN 3-1 (HT:1-1) INDIA
GB Scorers: James Tindall 17 (PC), Ashley Jackson 45 (PS), Harry Martin 62 (F),
India Scorer: Shivendra Singh 3 (F)
With Inputs From Great Britain Hockey Press Release
