THERE was early Olympic joy for former Alton Hockey Club member Alex Danson as she scored the winner in Team GB’s opening group game in Rio.

Danson, who helped Team GB?secure a bronze medal in London four years ago, scored the winner in a 2-1 win over group rivals Australia before netting again in a 3-0 win over India.

Danson then helped GB?to a thrilling 3-2 win over fancied Argentina on Wednesday to book their place in the quarter-finals.

The British girls face Japan in the early hours of Friday morning as the group stages ease toward their conclusion.

Having joined Alton Hockey Club at the age of 12 and going on to train with the men’s first XI, it was obvious even that then she was going to be an outstanding player.

The 34 year old, whose parents live in Odiham, went on to join the Klein Zwitserland team before joining the Trojans. She now plays for Reading.