EUROHOCKEY JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS – DAY 2

MIXED FORTUNES FOR U21s IN GHENT

SCOTLAND 2 IRELAND 2 (WOMEN)

This was a game that the Scots youngsters could, and should, have won – they dominated proceedings throughout but just failed to convert their superiority into a winning scoreline.

The first half was a story of considerable Scotland pressure and Irish expertise at penalty corners – the result was the latter reached the interval 2-1 ahead.

But it was the Scots youngsters who took a deserved lead at their second penalty corner won by the tenacity of Itske Hooftman. The initial shot was blocked by the Irish defence but in the resulting goalmouth scramble the Scots were awarded a penalty stroke.

Then entered a bit of controversy – Lucy Williamson`s first flick was saved by the keeper. But the umpire ordered a retake as it would appear the keeper moved too early. So up stepped Williamson again, and this time her low flick went under the arm of the keeper for the opening goal.

As the first quarter progressed the Irish were allowed back into the game and won their second set piece after the Scottish defence had given the ball away. Emma Paul`s shot was partially saved by Jess Buchanan but the Terrassa keeper was unable to prevent it finding the net.

The second quarter had barely started when Ireland went 2-1 up with a powerful low penalty corner shot from Siofra Murdoch – and the game was turned on its head.

The Scots had their chance to level just before half-time, they won a penalty corner through the combination of Ava Finlay and Lunjika Nyirenda, but unfortunately Lucy Williamson`s shot was straight at the keeper and cleared.

The Scots were 2-1 down at the interval – much against the balance of play.

Again in the third quarter the Scots had most of the possession but no clear scoring chances. Apart from a penalty corner opportunity, the best open play chance came when Georgia Jones won the ball but Sophie Hinds failed to connect with the resulting pass.

Just as looked that Irish luck was holding, captain Lunjika Nyirenda produced a piece of magic, she collected the ball in the circle, weaved past several defenders and flicked the ball past the Irish keeper for the equaliser.

There was a scare near the end at an Irish penalty corner but a great double save by Amber Murray kept the scores level.

In the closing seconds Nyirenda had a slim chance from a narrow angle but the Irish keeper easily saved.

Head coach Neil Menzies said: “We played well for 90% of the game and we should have won. We were punished at Ireland`s first goal and then they scored a second, but the girls responded with resilience and continued to dominate the game. The girls are disappointed as they felt the game was there to be won.

“I thought the overall performance today was very good but unfortunately we only created a few scoring chances and had five penalty corners.”

Scotland U21 Women in Ghent

SCOTLAND 1 SPAIN 8 (MEN)

The Scots played with a lot of grit and determination – their effort could certainly not be faulted – but in the end they were no match for the talented Spanish.

In the first quarter the Scots had no real answer to the lively and lethal Spanish forwards who propelled their side into a 3-0 lead.

The opener emanated from a low shot by Rafael Vilallonga which gave Matt Taylor no chance. Not long after a high ball from Robbie Croll into the Spanish circle caused a bit of a problem but it was finally cleared.

The Spanish were soon two up at a penalty corner flick by Oriol Bozal that went in off Andrew McAllister. Two minutes later Pol Fite added a third and there was now a mountain to climb for Graham Moodie`s charges.

The Scots youngsters came more into the contest in the second quarter and a couple of chances fell to Fraser Heigh, firstly his close range attempt to force the ball over the line was smothered by the keeper, then his penalty corner flick was blocked.

But the Spanish were able to extend their lead through another penalty corner conversion from Bozal.

However, despite the four goals conceded Matt Taylor in the Scotland goal had to make several saves to prevent further damage.

Spain added a fifth goal in the third quarter with a fierce reverse stick shot from Enric Miralles – certainly the goal of the game.

Undaunted, the Scots youngsters retaliated with a good goal of their own. A good build-up involving several players created the opening for Dominic Smith, he turned on a sixpence and flicked a low shot past the keeper. There followed a short spell of sustained pressure and two penalty corners…but not further goals.

Graham Moodie`s charges were put under the cosh in the final quarter, the Spanish won five penalty corners in only four minutes, and three led to goals from Pol Verdiell Cabre, Oriol Bozal for his hat-trick and Pepe Cunill to advance the score to 8-1.

The Scots put in a final flourish, a good run from Fraser Heigh won a penalty corner but Robbie Croll`s effort was blocked, then Keir Robb had his shot saved by the keeper, the rebound fell to Ali Douglas but his shot failed to find the target.

Tomorrow Scotland play Belgium in the final pool match and coach Graham Moodie will be looking for the first points.

Scotland U21 v Spain in Ghent (Photo: European Hockey Federation)

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