Great Britain celebrate David Longstaff's opening score

Great Britain claimed their first World Championship medal for eight years with a 2-1 overtime win over hosts Poland in Division One Group B.

Britain led through David Longstaff but Poland levelled in the 45th minute on a powerplay, with Mark Thomas penalised for hooking, thanks to Mikolaj Lopuski.

However, Ashley Tait popped up with the game-winning goal 114 seconds into the overtime period to stun the home crowd.

The score sparked celebrations for GB, ranked eight places lower than Poland.

Britain spent most of the final period killing penalties and were put under huge pressure by the hosts. But netminder Jody Lehman, in his first World Championships, was once again in fantastic form as he stopped 31 shots.

Delighted GB coach Paul Thompson said: "What a night, what a performance, what a great feeling.

"This was a total team effort. Every player did whatever it took to ensure we came through, whether that was blocking shots, killing penalties, making hits or scoring goals."

Tait said: "It's just an unbelievable feeling, I can't think of any team I have ever played in that deserved success more than this one.

"When the chance came my way I only had a split second to think about it. I just kept thinking finish, finish and I did.

"This is a brilliant team effort, amazing and right now so hard to take in. Many didn't give us a chance but those of us here inside the room always believed."

Meanwhile, Italy secured promotion back to the top flight with a 2-0 win over Ukraine to complete a 100% record in the tournament, while Romania's stay in Division One was a brief one as they were relegated following a 5-1 loss to Holland.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version