Great Britain’s two-goal hero Russell Cowley admitted he was relieved to finally overcome a spirited Estonian team on Monday.

Robert Dowd scored the overtime winner for GB as they moved onto five points out of six from their first two matches in the World Championship (Division 1B) tournament in Zagreb.

But they were made to work all the way as Estonia came from 3-1 down to tie the game at 3-3 in the third period.

“It was a case of just getting the job done, however difficult it was,” said Cowley. “We were nowhere near our best, but to pull it out the bag was important.

“I thought Estonia were impressive and they have improved from when we saw them last year. They gave us a real test and we had to show real guts to come away with the win.”

“It was nice to get two goals out there and they were made for me by two great passes. We have scored some nice goals in this tournament and look good in front of goal.”

Dowd’s strike with less than two minutes remaining in overtime eventually secured the win for GB and he was delighted to head into Tuesday’s rest day with a second victory on the board.

“I think we showed real character and determination to get that win,” said Dowd. “There was some real grit in there and we did not panic, which was the main thing.

“We will all admit it was not our best game but getting the win is so important in these tournaments.

“I think the day without a game has come at a good time. There were some tired bodies and we can now regroup and focus on the final three games.”

(Image permission: IceHockeyMedia)