Team GB's women beat New Zealand to reach Olympic hockey final

A goal and a penalty stroke from Alex Danson and another penalty stroke from Helen Richardson-Walsh were enough to see Team GB through to a clash with the Netherlands, who beat Germany in a thrilling shootout.

Victory ensures Britain's best women's hockey performance, beating the bronze medal they earned with a win over New Zealand at London 2012, and they head into the final on a seven-game winning streak.

Great Britain's superb defence again continued to impress, keeping out four penalty corner attempts from the Black Sticks and making the most of their limited attacking chances.

Danson gave Britain the lead on 21 minutes when she reacted quickest to poke a rebound goalwards, although the last touch came off a New Zealand defender on the line.

They held on to the advantage in the third period despite nasty looking facial injuries to Crista Cullen and Georgie Twigg, who were both forced to leave the field to have blood injuries assessed, although neither is expected to miss the final.

There was also an injury scare for Richardson-Walsh who appeared to hurt her hamstring after scoring with GB's first penalty stroke, given for a professional foul by New Zealand captain Kayla Whitelock - she said after the game the hamstring was just sore.

That goal, two minutes into the final period, was followed four minutes later by another decisive penalty stroke, converted by Danson after Lily Owsley was cynically caught from behind.