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Page last updated at 15:08 GMT, Monday, 11 August 2008 16:08 UK

McGregor delight at winning start

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Video - GB's men start with win

Great Britain goalkeeper Ally McGregor said he was delighted with his contribution to the 4-2 opening victory over Pakistan in Beijing.

Despite going down to 10 men, Britain managed their first win over Pakistan at the Olympics since 1952.

"I was really pleased with my game as it adds to the team performance as a whole," said McGregor.

"The Olympic experience has been amazing and to get such a positive start to our campaign is massive."

At 1-0, the Scot made a vital save to maintain his team's slim advantage.

"If that one had gone in, it would have been a different game," said McGregor.

"It was probably a crucial save at a crucial time."

GB hockey goalkeeper Ally McGregor
McGregor is one of two Scots in the GB men's hockey team

McGregor said the whole team had to tighten up after captain Ben Hawes was sent off in the second half.

"My job at the back is to organise the guys in front of me, so when we went a man down it was a real test for us," said the goalkeeper.

"However, as a group we weathered that bad patch well."

Britain have a tough task to qualify for a semi-final place from their pool, which includes defending champions Australia and the Netherlands, who they play next on Wednesday at 1400 BST.

And McGregor says they have been doing their homework on the Dutch.

"They're higher ranked than Pakistan and they have one of the world's best penalty-corner taker in Taeke Taekema," he explained.

"I'm sure it'll be another good test for us, but we've played them so many times over the last few years and know what to expect."


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Sunday, 24 August 2008 10:17 UK
RankCountryGoldSilverBronzeTOTAL
1also show each event results forGermany1001
Men100
2also show each event results forNetherlands1001
Women100
3also show each event results forChina0101
Women010
4also show each event results forSpain0101
Men010
5also show each event results forArgentina0011
Women001
6also show each event results forAustralia0011
Men001

see also
Olympics blog
07 Aug 08 |  Olympics
Beijing 2008
14 Feb 08 |  Olympics
Crista Cullen's guide to hockey
07 Aug 08 |  Hockey


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