Britain stage hockey fightback

Britain's hopes are still alive - but only just

South Korea 2-2 Great Britain

Mandy Nicholson threw Great Britain's women hockey team an Olympic lifeline with a late equaliser in the vital qualifying match against South Korea.

The British had lost their first two games in the competition and knew that defeat in the third match would spell the end of their campaign.

And when they were trailing 2-0 with 12 minutes to go, they seemed destined for the exit door.

The Koreans drew first blood in the 14th minute when Kim Seong-eun scored from a penalty corner.

Kim Eun-jin doubled the lead with a 48th minute field goal to pile on the agony for Britain.

But Melanie Clewlow pulled a goal back and Nicholson netted a dramatic equaliser four minutes from time to keep Britain's slim hopes alive.

That was not the end of the action, though, as Korea forced four penalty corners in the last three minutes - but some superb last-ditch defending ensured Britain held on for a point.

The result was a major boost for team coach Jon Royce, who had to watch the match from the stands after being banned from the game for using

Britain now need to beat Spain in their next match and rely on other results going in their favour to qualify for the knock-out stage.

South Korea now have two points from three matches and Britain one point from three. Argentina head the table with six points from two matches.

Australia are second with four points from two matches. Three teams from the pool will make it to the semifinals.