James Tindall sheds his villain tag as GB edge closer to hockey semis

James Tindall sheds his villain tag as GB edge closer to hockey semis

It was not their best display of the tournament so far but Great Britain's 2-0 victory over South Africa here kept them in the semi-final mix and provided redemption for striker James Tindall.

James Tindall competes for the ball at the Olympic Hockey Center
In the mix: James Tindall competes for the ball at the Olympic Hockey Center Photo: AP

It was Tindall whose rash tackle cost his team-mates the chance of an upset of Olympic proportions against Holland on Wednesday, but it was his classy finish which eased the nerves and paved the way for a hard-fought win in their third pool match.

"I put myself in solitary confinement to think about things after the Holland game," admitted the Surbiton striker. "I was hard on myself because I felt gutted for the lads who had worked so hard.

"Scoring the goal was quite a nice feeling, to say the least."

Britain now sit third in their pool behind Australia and Holland, and have Canada and the Australians left to play. Next up are Canada on Saturday.

"A good result against Canada is important so we can definitely have a crack at fifth-sixth and it would be nice to have a sniff at the semis “ a very outside sniff," said coach Jason Lee.

"It was our poorest performance so far because we looked tired and lethargic but I am very pleased with the result."

After Tindall's strike, Britain laboured to score again but failed from four corners and were grateful for South Africa's tendency to fire high and wide when given the chance. Their next opponents in green and gold will not be so generous.

However, just when it seemed South Africa might get back in the game – and score their first goal of the tournament – Matt Daly finished off some fine work along the byline from Ben Hawes to make it 2-0.

A calf strain has ended Great Britain midfielder Jennie Bimson's Games. Scotland's Laura Bartlett will join the squad for the match against Japan.

Hockey weekend highlights

*Great Britain's women play Japan on Saturday in a contest they must win if they are to make the semi-finals.

*The men of Holland and Australia meet on Sunday in a repeat of the 2004 Olympic final.