GREAT Britain set up a winner-takes-all clash with Japan by beating Romania 3-0 today in their second game at the Olympic pre-qualifiers (Group J). Belfast goalie Stephen Murphy secured a 17-shot shut-out as Guildford's David Longstaff celebrated his 100th GB cap with two assists. Murphy, Nottingham Panthers' centre Matthew Myers and Jonathan Phillips (Sheffield) all won their 50th cap on a memorable afternoon in Japan. GB took the lead at 3:17 through Leigh Jamieson, Panthers Jonathan Weaver with the assist, before Ben O'Connor netted his second goal of the tournament at 18:32.
Great Britain led 2-0 at the end of the first period and there was no scoring in period two. Robert Dowd increased the lead (52:39) as GB recorded their first victory of the tournament. Head coach, Tony Hand, said: "We dominated the game and fully deserved our victory. "All the guys played their hearts out. They were fantastic and there were man-of-the-match performances all over the ice. "We are very much alive in this tournament and hopefully this result has set up a thrilling final game against Japan. "I am so pleased for David Longstaff. It was fantastic to get a win to mark his 100th cap." Longstaff was presented with a special GB shirt and glass plaque before the game.
GB, who lost to Korea on penalty shots yesterday, play their final game of the tournament tomorrow (9am UK time) against Japan, who defeated Korea 3-2 in overtime.
The group winners travel to Germany in February for final qualifying for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia.
Great Britain led 2-0 at the end of the first period and there was no scoring in period two. Robert Dowd increased the lead (52:39) as GB recorded their first victory of the tournament. Head coach, Tony Hand, said: "We dominated the game and fully deserved our victory. "All the guys played their hearts out. They were fantastic and there were man-of-the-match performances all over the ice. "We are very much alive in this tournament and hopefully this result has set up a thrilling final game against Japan. "I am so pleased for David Longstaff. It was fantastic to get a win to mark his 100th cap." Longstaff was presented with a special GB shirt and glass plaque before the game.
GB, who lost to Korea on penalty shots yesterday, play their final game of the tournament tomorrow (9am UK time) against Japan, who defeated Korea 3-2 in overtime.
The group winners travel to Germany in February for final qualifying for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia.