Paralympics: Greatbatch urges Team GB to bounce back

LEE Greatbatch admitted it was back to the drawing board after Great Britain lost their opening five-a-side football match 3-0 at the hands of an impressive China side.

ParalympicGB were making their debut in the event and had been tipped to challenge for a medal after finishing second in last year's European Championships.

But 25-year-old student Greatbatch, from Weston Coyney, and his team-mates were found wanting in their opening game of the round-robin competition as a Wang Yafeng-inspired China dominated proceedings in front of a near full house at the Olympic hockey venue.

And with Athens gold and silver medallists Brazil and Argentina to come, along with six-time and current European champions Spain, Greatbatch knows GB has it all to do if they are to challenge for honours.

"We need to pick ourselves up now and make sure we play the way we can in our remaining games," said the University of Worcester sports science student, who has been playing the sport since the age of seven and was a first-half substitute against China.

"We are all disappointed as no one likes to lose their opening game, but we need to hold our hands up and admit we were beaten by the better side.

"They have improved dramatically in the last year and have gone full-time, which showed in their technical play, and we couldn't live with it on the day."

China dominated the first half and it came as no surprise when Wang – who had been terrorising the GB defence all half – opened the scoring in the 17th minute following a mazy run that left him one on one with goalkeeper Jonathan Pugh. And it was only Pugh's heroics that prevented China doubling their advantage as the keeper saved Li Xiaoqiang's penalty in the final minute of the half before twice foiling the home skipper from the rebound.

GB had their chances, with David Clarke twice forcing the hosts' goalkeeper into action as Anthony Larkin's men went into the interval a goal down.

Things went from bad to worse shortly after the restart as Chen Shanyong linked up with Wang before striking the ball beyond Pugh from close range.

The British team rarely threatened a dramatic comeback and Wang added to his and China's tally in the 38th minute, while the hosts even found time to miss a second spot-kick of the game before the full-time whistle.

"No tournament is ever won or lost in the first game and we have five matches to come," added Greatbatch, who won the Physical Disability category at this year's City of Stoke on Trent Sports Personality of the Year awards.

"We need to forget about this and see if we can come back strongly against Korea tomorrow.

"Korea are another good side, but we know we have to win. Three points is a springboard and from there on anything is possible."

LLOYDS TSB is a proud first partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and a supporter of ParalympicsGB on their journey to 2012. Visit LloydsTSB.com/London2012