Nicola White scores as Great Britain’s women’s hockey team win Olympic Gold in Rio

Nicola White shows her Olympic gold medal

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Nicola White scored a vital goal as Great Britain’s women’s hockey team beat the Netherlands to win Olympic Gold in Rio.

The Littleborough star played a major role in her side’s success as Great Britain drew 3-3 on Friday before triumphing 2-0 in a penalty shootout.

Lily Owsley put Great Britain ahead in the first quarter before the Netherlands scored through Kitty van Male and Maartje Paumen to turn the tie around.

A quick equaliser from Crista Cullen made things level at the halfway point.

The Netherlands took the lead when van Male scored again early in the third quarter.

Then came Nicola’s big moment - as Great Britain trailed 3-2 with less than ten minutes remaning she scored a vital equaliser, clinically converting a shot to force the game to a penalty shootout.

The Netherlands failed to convert any of the four penalties they took.

Helen Richardson-Walsh scored from a penalty stroke and Hollie Webb sealed the win with her penalty. 

This is Great Britain’s first ever gold medal in women’s Olympic hockey, an achievement made even more impressive considering that the Netherlands had won this event in the previous two Olympic games.