Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s hockey captain David Ames has praised his team’s mentality following a narrow 2-1 win over host nation France.
The slender win secured Team GB’s spot in the Quarter-Finals of the Olympic Men’s Hockey tournament.
France’s Timothee Clement opened the scoring just before the break only for Zach Wallace to convert a penalty stroke in the third quarter. James Albery’s deflected strike settled the game in the final quarter.
Cookstown man Ames said: “France fought for every inch but I’m very proud of our guys, the way we’ve fought back consistently over the last three games,” said captain David Ames.
“We have a never-say-die attitude, this team wants to fight for each other and we’re doing whatever it takes to win.
“Quarter-finals, yes, it’s a nice one – but ultimately this team wants to stand on the podium.”
Britain’s men have not won a hockey medal since their gold at Seoul in 1988, a squad that included Ulstermen Stephen Martin and Jimmy Kirkwood.