AN early goal from Surbiton’s James Tindall helped Great Britain’s hockey players to a 4-1 victory against a tough Pakistan victory at the Riverbank.

Harry Martin, Matt Daly, Ben Hawes and Rob Moore all played a part in what was a good all round performance.

The Duchess of Cambridge was in the crowd watching on as the boys secured the much-needed win.

The two teams went into the game level on four points, with Britain coming into the match off a disappointing result against South Africa which finished 2-2.

Despite Tindall’s goal after four minutes, it was at times in the first half an uncomfortably tight contest, as GB were forced to press the Pakistan players hard.

But a second goal lifted them, this time by Jonty Clark with nine minutes left of the first half following a flowing move from the back to make the lead more comfortable.

GB began the second half sluggishly, giving away three early penalty corners and were fortunate not to concede.

But that seemed to wake them up and afterwards they really rose to the occasion.

Ashley Jackson fired home one of his trademark penalty corners with around 15 minutes left on the clock, to make the points safe.

And he struck again from the same position with minutes left to go, firing a shot high into the net. Pakistan struck a consolation penalty corner late on but by then it was far too late.

Team GB, level with Australia at the top of their group, have now taken a big step towards the next round.