ODIHAM hockey star Alex Danson scored the winner as Great Britain beat Australia 2-1 in their opening group game in the Rio Olympics.

Danson had GB’s first chance forcing Emily Smith to produce a good save, before an Australia penalty corner was blocked by Christa Cullen.

The Hockeyroos started the second quarter the better and Grace Stewart broke free, but Maddie Hinch made the save.

An Australian penalty corner saw Helen Richardson-Walsh stop the ball on the line, before Great Britain took the lead four minutes before half-time.

Hollie Webb’s long pass was touched on by Shona McCallin to Sophia Bray.

Her first time pass found Lily Owley who calmly slotted home.

Georgina Morgan hit the post, but it remained 1-0 at half-time.

Three minutes after the interval, Australia levelled, as this time Morgan scored.

They then went looking to add another goal, but Hinch kept them out and GB then scored what turned out to be the winner.

Susannah Townsend broke into the circle and found Danson who scored on her backhand.

The final quarter saw both sides swap chances as Stewart and Owsley were denied.

A late penalty corner from Australia flashed past the post as the bronze medal winners in London opened their latest Olympic tournament with a victory.

GB’s next game is tomorrow against India (10pm BST).