Bobby Crutchley insists Great Britain men’s team are clicking into gear at exactly the right time at the World Hockey League Semi Final following their 8-1 thumping of China.
Britain’s male players went into their third game of the tournament in Antwerp off the back of two consecutive 2-2 draws.
However, there was little chance of a hat-trick of stalemates on Thursday as Great Britain took control against a team ranked 32nd in the world.
They got the ball rolling as early as the fifth minute as Nick Catlin volleyed skilfully in before the Chinese defence then held firm until the end of the first quarter.
But a second goal arrived in the 18th minute courtesy of Sam Ward’s first goal of the tournament before Mark Gleghorne added a third while Zecheng Li reduced the deficit for a 3-1 half-time score.
After the interval, however, it was all Great Britain as Gleghorne flicked home his second following a number of British chances while Ashley Jackson made it five.
Further goals from Alastair Brogdon, Ward and Catlin then rounded off proceedings as Great Britain moved up to second in the table behind Malaysia, their next opponents on Sunday.
“We were good today. Early on they gave us some trouble but once we negated that we controlled the game,” said Crutchley.
“We could’ve been more clinical but we’re pleased to get some goals. It’s great to see our strikers get on the board, but generally it was good we got a game in quickly which allowed us to get frustrations out from the last match.
“Today it was important to put in a good performance. We’re not really worried about other results, we’re aiming to peak at the right time.
“We know these tournaments are about the key games and making sure you play well in those, so after a slow start hopefully we’re playing into form for the most important games.”
© Sportsbeat 2015