KIEV, UKRAINE – Ben O’Connor’s late power play goal was enough to see off Poland in Britain’s final World Championship match in Kiev. Poland dominated for large parts of the game and Team GB have Stephen Murphy to thank for some fantastic saves to deny the Poles. The win guarantees Britain a medal for the first time since 2009 but they will have to wait until tonight to see if they will pick up the gold medal and promotion to the top tier of the World Championships. Poland started brightly and took the lead through Filip Drzewiecki. The Poles were in control but two goals from Team GB within ten seconds stunned their opponents. A patient power play was finished off by captain Jonathan Weaver with a powerful shot from the slot. Moments later, a quick break allowed Russell Cowley to score to give Britain the lead. Britain had chances to extend their lead included a nice move from Jason Hewitt. However it was Poland who took control of the game as they equalised through Krystian Dziubinski. Britain were feeling the pressure and Murphy was called into action on several occasions to keep the scores level. Poland’s indiscipline got the better of them and Marcin Kolusz’ high-stick sent Britian to the power play. Team GB kept their concentration to score the game-winning goal as Britain hung on in the closing nervy minutes. Britain will win gold if the Ukraine beat Kazakhstan by no more than three goals later tonight. Contact the author david.bol@prohockeynews.com
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