Harry Martin and his Great Britain team mates endured a nightmare in the Olympic hockey semi-final crashing out 9-2 to a majestic and deadly Dutch side.

The Old Loughtonians star will now face off against Australia tomorrow for the bronze, hoping to put last night’s huge disappointment behind them.

Holland dominated the match from start to finish, setting off at a blistering pace and giving Great Britain the run around.

James Fair in the Great Britain goal was called into action early to deny Valentin Verga but not before Rogier Hofman had a goal ruled out because his shot from outside of the D lacked the vital deflection.

The Dutch breakthrough came on eight minutes when Roderick Weusthof buried a penalty corner and the same man struck again moments later for 2-0.

Ashley Jackson got the Riverbank Arena jumping when he converted a penalty corner but it was a false dawn as goals from Mink van der Weerden and Billy Bakker meant it was 4-1 at the break.

Bakker’s goal was superb as much as it was devastating - a sweeping move from one end of the pitch to the other, full of intricate passing and delicate touches that put the ball on a plate for Bakker from feet out.

Great Britain came out after the break fired up and took the fight to Holland for about five minutes but they failed to convert from either of two penalty corners.

And, as if hurt that Great Britain had the audacity to attack, Holland scored four devastating goals in six minutes to bury the tie – Bakker hit two, to complete his hat trick, while Teun de Nooijer and Floris Evers also scored – and it was not over there as Weusthof also completed his hat trick on the hour.

The biggest cheer of the night greeted Rob Moore’s consolation goal and when the Great Britain fans started to taunt the Dutch following that “they were not singing anymore”, it was clear that the appreciation of Holland’s mastery was universal throughout the arena.

At the final whistle the Great Britain players gave their customary lap of honour, but this time it was with drooping heads and hunched shoulders – we hope for better on Saturday.