Taking on the Eastern Europeans at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre in London, in what was the penultimate Euro 2012 qualification match, Britain's early pressure eventually faded.

Britain had trailed just 14-12 at the break as the team looked to spring a surprise but Montenegro eventually proved too good.

The visitors had a number of players from EHF 2012 European Champions League winners Budućnost, and eventually sealed victory.

With five goals Lyn Byl starred for Britain while Ewa Palies and Marie Gerbron were also impressive with three each.


The defence had also been strong during the first period, but they could not handle Montenegro's Katarina Bulatovic and Biljana Pavicevic – who finished with nine and eight goals each – in the second half.

"It was a very good first half and it was the best we can play," said GB head coach Jesper Holmris.

"But we need more performances like the first half because I was not happy with the second.

"A few of our key players ran out of steam and we made too many technical mistakes, and at this level teams like Montenegro will punish you."

Britain will have another chance to take on Montenegro in just under two months' time at London 2012.

They have been drawn together in the preliminary round in a group which also involves Angola, Brazil, Croatia and world champions Russia.

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