ODIHAM hockey star Alex Danson scored both goals as Great Britain beat Japan 2-1 in an international friendly at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

The home side had the first chance, as Susie Gilbert combined with Danson, and from the resulting penalty corner Zoe Shipperley’s shot was saved by Sakiyo Asano.

Against the run of play, Japan took the lead after 25 minutes, when they were awarded a penalty stroke following a foot on the line.

Yamamoto held her nerve, sending Maddie Hinch the wrong way and it was still 1-0 at half time.

Great Britain continued to pile on the pressure were rewarded for their persistence on 42 minutes.

A through ball from Helen Richardson-Walsh found Danson in the circle, and the Odiham-born player kept her composure and rounded Asano to score.

The home forwards continued to threaten in the final quarter, with Joie Leigh and Sarah Robertson causing problems in the Japanese circle.

Then two minutes from time the hosts found the winner with a well-worked penalty corner routine, which saw Kate Richardson-Walsh’s pass deflected home by Danson.

After the game, Danson said: “It’s always great to score, but it was the goal from the penalty corner which I enjoyed the most today.

“Japan are a very quick and tenacious team who are dangerous on the counter and our defence did a good job in countering that threat.”

Great Britain will return to Lee Valley for the EuroHockey Championships which run from August 21 to 30.