London 2012 Olympics: Last gasp drama as British men salvage a draw

Published on 02/08/2012 01:03

Great Britain’s men escaped with a late 2-2 draw against South Africa yesterday after it seemed they would pay dearly for not making the most of their early advantage.

Having led through Ashley Jackson’s penalty corner, they were staring at defeat two minutes from time when the midfielder popped up with the slightest of touches to equalise. Even then it required a video review to ensure he had actually deflected in Richard Smith’s driven cross.

While a point may be disappointing against the lowest-ranked side in the tournament the fact they were able to snatch a draw – having briefly withdrawn goalkeeper James Fair to gain numerical outfield supremacy – was significant.

Jackson had made no mistake with his 14th-minute penalty corner, won by himself after a good run down the right. But South Africa scored twice in the final ten minutes to stun GB. Austin Smith planted a low flick inside Fair’s left-hand post, and Jonathan Robinson fired home from the top of the circle.

GB grabbed their late equaliser as Jackson popped up in front of his marker to get the minutest of touches to Smith’s cross.