SWINDON Wildcats netminder Stevie Lyle became only the fifth player in Great Britain history to reach 80 caps despite again sitting on the bench for yesterday’s World Championship clash against Lithuania.

Lyle, 36, who recently signed a new three-year deal with Swindon, is Britain’s most capped goalie and was hoping to be handed his first start of the Division 1B World Championships in Zagreb after being understudy to Cardiff Devils stopper Ben Bowns for the opening two games.

However, Bown got the nod as Great Britain - coach by ex-Wildcats head coach Pete Russell - turned in an outstanding display to thrash their previously unbeaten rivals 8-0.

Britain had won both of their opening games, beating hosts Croatia 4-1 in the tournament opener and securing a 4-3 victory over Estonia on Monday and made the ideal start against Lithuania, Jonathan Phillips and Ashley Tait scoring in the first period.

The match was effectively over as a contest after an extraordinary second period, GB netting six times through Ross Venus, Robert Lachowicz, Ben O’Connor twice, Jonathan Boxill, Russell Cowley and Colin Shields.

Britain went second in the group behind the Ukraine, who they play in their final match on Saturday, after Friday’s clash against winless Romania.