FRANCE might have had home advantage, but it was Totnes star Ollie Payne and GB men’s hockey players who coped better with the conditions as the comeback kings did it again at the Stade Yves du Manoir, writes Paul Eddison.

Despite dominating much of the first half of the group clash with the host nation, Great Britain were stunned by a deflected goal 46 seconds from half-time.

Previously unbeaten, a loss here suddenly would have put their progress in jeopardy, but Paul Revington’s men responded as their superior fitness made the difference.

First, Zach Wallace levelled with a penalty stroke before James Albery squeezed home the winner in the fourth quarter for a 2-1 victory.

And with temperatures rising into the mid-30s, Great Britain had confidence that all the training hours would make the difference.

Albery said: “If we could not be in such a tough position with a few minutes to go in the next games, that would be great. But we’ve got such great belief in this team that we can come back if we are down. We’re really pleased to have got over the line.

“We’ve worked really hard over the last three years. We’ve got a really strong squad of 32 guys on the full-time programme. We put in the hard yards and Bisham and we’re really pleased that it’s showing out here. We’ve come back a few times.”

This turnaround followed draws against Netherlands and South Africa, with the Brits trailing on each occasion.

By winning, they moved up to second in Group A, with a final match against group leaders Germany to come with top spot on the line.

And having fired home the winner, Albery was keen to enjoy the moment, before turning his attention to that crucial clash.

He added: “It was nice that it got given to me. Usually they would trying to give it to Wardy (Sam Ward). He usually claims them so it was nice that he gave it to me. I’m really pleased to contribute with a goal and really pleased to get over the line.

“It’s a massive game against Germany. They are a really strong side and we’ve had some good battles with them over the years. Hopefully we can put in another strong shift and get over the line.

“It’s going to be a very tactical game. We’ll have to be switched on and hopefully we can use our physicality.”

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