Great Britain U18 were beaten 3-2 by Korea U18 at the World Championship (Division 2A) tournament on Tuesday.

Despite taking the lead and having a number of good chances, especially in the second period, GB could only beat Lee Jungmin twice as he turned away 28 shots.

GB went ahead on the powerplay as Liam Kirk’s shot was saved and Jordan Buesa batted in the rebound in the 5th minute.

Korea improved as the period went on and Ethan James produced a great glove save to deny Kim Geon Woo, before Park Gangeun broke free on the blueline and tied things up after 13 minutes.

Joshua Waller hits the pipes as GB went close in the opening stages of the second period, before the hosts had a goal ruled out for a man in the crease.

Korea went ahead when Kim Minje broke into the offensive zone and fired high past James in the 36th minute.

The hosts made it 3-1 as Jin Geonho got the final touch following a scramble in front of the net early in the final session.

Tyler Cooper closed the gap on a five-on-three powerplay as he ghosted in at the backdoor to score his third goal of the tournament with three minutes to play, but GB could not find the equaliser.

Head Coach Martin Grubb said: “The terminology we are using is we are happy but not satisfied.

“I was proud of the boys. I thought we battled hard and it is fine margins.

“We made a couple of mistakes and gave up goals. At this international hockey level, if you give up chances they are going to punish you.

“Our penalty kill, was huge but we just couldn’t find the bounces or get that goal at the end.”

GB return to action on Wednesday against Lithuania (8.30am UK time).

(Image permission: Karl Denham)