The Ashley Jackson show against Pakistan

GREAT BRITAIN  4   PAKISTAN  1 
(MEN)

Ashley Jackson was the catalyst in Great Britain men`s
comfortable 4-1 win over Pakistan today, his creativity made two
goals in the first half, he scored himself twice from penalty
corners after the interval, and still had time to sit it out in the
sin-bin for five minutes.   This result significantly
enhances Team GB`s chances of a semi-final spot and medal prospects
as they share top spot with Australia after with two pool matches
left.

GB opened brightly and in four minutes took the lead, the
opening was created by Jackson and James Tindall finished it off
with a reverse stick shot from a narrow angle. Pakistan tried to
take the sting out of the game, but eight minutes before the
interval Jackson beat two defenders to leave Jonty Clarke with a
simple tap in for the second goal.

Although Pakistan had a lot of possession, they created few
clear-cut chances, while both Glenn Kirkham and Tindall had
opportunities to increase GB`s lead.    Jackson
again rose to the occasion midway through the second half, his low
penalty corner flick beat the goalkeeper and virtually sealed the
result.  The East Grinstead striker had a further chance to
increase the lead but his fierce shot was diverted clear by the
keeper`s glove, but with three minutes left Jackson sent a rocket
in off the crossbar at another set piece for the fourth
goal.   Pakistan captain Sohail Abbas struck with a
powerful penalty corner strike, but by then it was little more than
a consolation.

Australia, who were unexpectedly held to a 2-2 draw by bottom
side Argentina in an earlier game, are next up for GB on Sunday,
the prize for the victor is a certain spot in the semi-finals.

Great Britain women`s medal hopes are looming closer, they only
require a draw in tomorrow`s pool match against China to qualify
for the crucial semi-final stages.   There is the
possibility that Team GB captain Kate Walsh could return for this
game after fracturing her jaw in the opening clash with
Japan.   “We`ll fitness test her and if she comes through
in a positive way, there`s a possibility she might play against
China, but at the moment it`s very difficult to say, it really is,”
said Danny Kerry, GB coach.

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