Head coach Andy Halliday believes St Albans Hockey Club can take inspiration from the achievements of Great Britain’s women after two of their players won gold at the Rio Olympics.

Hannah Macleod, who is women's head coach at the club, and Ellie Watton helped Great Britain to their first hockey gold after their dramatic win over the Netherlands on Friday.

Halliday, who is St Albans’ men’s head coach and Great Britain’s team manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled at the women’s achievement which is nothing short of fantastic. We are proud of the whole team and staff.

“It’s been a long four-year cycle and they dug deep in the finals and found incredible reserves. It’s fantastic for the sport.”

A gripping final in Rio finished 3-3 before Britain’s keeper Maddie Hinch pulled off crucial saves as they won 2-0 in the shootout.

In addition to Macleod and Watton’s involvement, Great Britain women’s team manager and goalkeeper coach John Hurst lives in St Albans.

Halliday hopes the city will feel the full effect from GB’s achievement in Brazil.

He said: “We are obviously very proud and hope it gives the sport a boost. To have gold medalists will give sport a boost in the city.

“We had a 30 per cent increase in participation after London 2012 and hopefully we will surpass that.”

Halliday added: “They [club’s players and staff] will be enthused and inspired playing alongside gold medallists.”

Halliday is hopeful Great Britain can build on this summer’s success and prove their triumph is not a one off.

He said: “There is no reason why the women can’t stay at the top of the game and the men can’t be competing for a medal in four years.”