White's Olympic final bid

Great Britain and England hockey player Nicola White

OLDHAM star Nicola White and her Great Britain team-mates face crunch time in Rio tonight as a massive Olympic semi-final showdown with New Zealand beckons.

Danny Kerry's team have been in blistering form so far at the 2016 showpiece, winning all six of their matches. They saw off Spain 3-1 in the quarter-finals on Monday.

Former Hulme pupil White, currently a forward with the Holcombe club, has featured in all matches, and been on the scoresheet.

A win tonight means a final place on Friday night and a guaranteed silver medal at least for White, who was in the team which won a bronze at London, 2012.

All of Oldham will be shouting for White tonight, including proud mum Gill and brother Daniel.

Gill said: "I couldn't have wished for more from Nicola and all the girls.

"Six wins can only give them confidence going into the semi final against New Zealand.

"As a parent I couldn't be any prouder of my daughter playing for her country in her second Olympic Games. There is a lovely atmosphere in the stadium."

Tonight's match starts at 9pm and will be shown live on the BBC.