Britain battled well throughout, with the game played at a high tempo, which evidently did not suit Lee's men, who have gone through weights training recently, and Australia were able to turn this to their advantage when they took an eighth minute lead.

Fergus Kavanagh latched onto the ball in the middle of the pitch, finding Matthew Butterini, and his quick turn gave him time to slide home the opener.

Britain settled better afterwards, but struggled to create any clear openings, with James Tindall almost steering a volley on target following a penalty corner.

Their hopes of getting anything from the game looked bleak shortly after as Matt Gohdes (pictured) fired home following a series of attacks for Australia.

The fast paced game continued in the second period, with Glenn Simpson almost making it three, forcing James Fair into a superb stop, before Australia won a penalty corner which saw Christopher Ciriello also come close, again being denied by the British goalkeeper.

Britain started to improve, with Tindall firing narrowly wide, and after some promising attacks finally got the goal their efforts merited when Simon Mantell struck home a ferocious effort for his second goal of the tournament.

The goal only sparked more Australian pressure, and the two goal lead was restored swiftly with Jamie Dwyer meeting Gohdes' cross to knock the ball past Fair.

Tindall again had another chance after a penalty corner as Britain continued to battle, but the Aussies had the final word when Luke Doerner struck a late penalty corner home to ensure they would take their place in the next round.

"We started well and were very much in the game until Australia scored," said Lee.

"The players were made to work hard and I know that they will be disappointed, but we had some really good spells of play throughout both halves."

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