by Alex Hoad at the Riverbank Arena

There will be no Gold Medal for Ashley Jackson at the London 2012 Olympic Games after GB were ruthlessly thrashed 9-2 in their semi-final against the Netherlands on Thursday night.

The West Malling star, 24, converted a trademark penalty corner drag-flick midway through the first half to give GB a sliver of hope, bringing them back to 2-1 down, however two more goals before the break from the ruthless Dutch gave the hosts a mountain to climb.

And the goals continued to fly in from all angles after the break, with three in as many minutes at one stage as GB heads dropped.

Billy Bakker helped himself to a hat-trick, as did Roderick Weusthof, while Mink van der Weerden, Teun de Nooijer and skipper Floris Evers were also on target. Rob Moore scored a late consolation.

GB must somehow raise themselves to face Australia in the bronze medal match back at the Riverbank Arena on Saturday afternoon (3.30pm).