Olympics hockey: Great Britain men rescue late point against South Africa

Great Britain’s men twice came from behind to rescue a point against South Africa in the hockey pool stages at the Olympic Games.

Welshman Rupert Shipperley equalised with just two minutes left on the clock for it to finish 2-2 at Yves-du-Manoir Stadium.

South Africa’s Andrew Hobson opened the scoring in the first quarter from a penalty corner, before Britain’s persistence was rewarded in the third when Phillip Roper slotted home.

But it was in the final quarter that the match came alive and it was end-to-end action as Bradley Sherwood’s shot gave South Africa the lead.

Goalkeeper Ollie Payne was replaced by Jack Waller as Britain switched to 11 outfield players with three minutes remaining.

The change paid off as Samuel Ward’s penalty corner shot took a deflection off Shipperley, who found the bottom left-hand side of the net.

Britain, captained by Northern Ireland’s David Ames, are aiming to secure their first men’s hockey Olympic medal since winning gold in 1988.

They started their bid with a commanding 4-0 win over Spain on Saturday and will next face top seeds the Netherlands on Tuesday.

Earlier on Sunday, the Netherlands thrashed France 4-0 to top Pool A with six points. Britain remain second on four points.