GB end with win
- Saturday,
by Matt Phillips
Paralympics GB 2-0 Turkey
London 2012
Saturday 8 September
David Clarke scored in his last ever game as the Paralympics GB Blind Squad signed off from London 2012 with a win.
Clarke scored with just two minutes left on the clock to leave his all-time international record at 128 goals from 144 games.
It was a comfortable win for GB, their first at this Paralympics, and confirmed seventh place at London 2012 for Tony Larkin's side.
It was one way traffic from GB, who had drawn with Spain and Argentina in their opening two games before falling to defeat against Iran and a penalty shootout loss at the hands of China.
Keryn Seal gave GB the perfect start on four minutes when he converted from close range after a short corner. The Welshman dribbled the ball into the box before firing a right foot shot past Turkey's Ali Hidir and into the roof of the net.
Both Clarke and Robin Williams caused havoc in the Turkish defence and both came close to adding to the lead just before the break.
Clarke saw two shots well saved by Hidir and a third sail wide by inches and then Williams' mazy run through the Turkey defence almost doubled GB's lead but Hidir blocked well.
GB had to wait until two minutes from time to put the game beyond doubt and it was fitting that Clarke should bring down the curtain on his international career with the winner.
The 41-year-old took control of the ball on the edge of the box before hitting a low shot past Hidir from eight yards.
The Riverbank Arena crowd stayed on at full-time as GB thanked the fans for their fantastic support throughout the 5-a-side blind football tournament at London 2012.
Goalkeeper, Dan James, took to the PA and paid tribute to Clarke's international career with GB and England.
Clarke also had a message for the fans and staff of GB before leaving the pitch for the very last time: "I can promise you all that these boys will go on and achieve great things.
"When I first started playing we had no kit and no money. Now we're competing with the world's best. We're not as good as them just yet but with a bit more time together who knows?
"Euro 2013 is up next so go on boys, bring it on!"
