Big second half performance sees Scotland girls earn a draw against Italy

McKie U18 girlsScotland U18 girls produced a big second half performance to claw back a two goal deficit against Italy, in their second game of the EuroHockey U18 Youth Championship II competition in Glasgow.

There was a terrific atmosphere in the National Hockey stadium as the match approached. A piper led the teams out to a loud home support, who hardly missed a beat during Flower of Scotland.

Italy got the game underway in the pouring rain and it was Scotland who were zipping the ball around the wet pitch in the early stages.

The game’s first opportunity came when Scotland’s Anna Logan chipped the ball into the D but it led to nothing. Robin Robeson was next to have a chance in front of goal but couldn’t cleanly connect a shot and Italy cleared the danger. Not long later, a good effort by Cat Booth from a penalty corner was saved again by the goalie with her feet.

Italy then took control, and looked very dangerous in attack. They deservedly opened the scoring, taking the lead through Federica Carta who scored with a low shot from a penalty corner. 1-0.

Scotland were pressing well but found the Italian defence resolute and stubborn. Italy doubled their goal tally when they tore forward and a defensive mistake allowed Veronica Marroccoli to make it 2-0; knocking the ball into an open goal.

There was a chance for Scotland from a penalty corner in the last minute of the first half but McKie couldn’t beat the keeper from a tight angle.

U18 girls v Italy 2

Half Time: Italy girls 2 Scotland girls 0

Scotland started the second half well and they quickly produced a good chance but Iona Macintyre-Beon couldn’t connect properly with the ball in the D. Katherine Holdgate was then denied by an excellent save low at the Italian post.

Italy looked dangerous on the counter attack and some excellent play by Sara Puglisi fashioned a good opportunity, but her shot was well saved. Ella Watt then broke for Scotland but her shot was booted clear by the Italian goalie.

There was a succession of penalty corners for Scotland but they couldn’t make any of them count. That was until Hanna McKie forced the ball over the line in a battle with the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

Scotland were full of life and McKie quickly scored again, smashing the ball in from close range and the stand erupted.

It looked like Scotland might produce a grandstand finish – Bella Fisken was having an exceptional game making many brilliant interceptions.

In the final moments Scotland were denied by a brilliant save following a scramble in the D. Italy broke with seconds on the clock and Mairi Fletcher was called upon to make an incredible save to stop a late Italian winner.

2-2 it finished and Scotland girls are scheduled to play their third game of the group tomorrow against Austria.

 

Full Time: Italy girls 2 Scotland girls 2U18 girls v Italy

Recent posts:

Back to all news
Back to top