Junior Scots conclude Euro campaign with Ireland loss

 

A William Rogerson winning goal eleven minutes from full-time ensured hosts Portugal put a serious dent in Scotland U21 Men’s hopes of qualifying from the EuroHockey Nations Championship II in Lousada.
A high scoring win for the junior Scots in their final match against favourites Ireland, plus a win for Italy over Portugal, is essential for Graham Moodie’s team to stay in contention,
Scotland U21 Men Team Manager Fraser McCurdy said, “Both teams played really well. I thought the players were excellent, we created lots of opportunities but we just couldn’t get that breakthrough.
“One or two of their players had an excellent game and at the end of it all it just came down to one chance that they converted. The players are obviously gutted with the result, but the performance was good.
“We need a small miracle tomorrow. If Italy can do us a favour and beat Portugal then it’s in our hands against Ireland. But we’ll need to score goals to overhaul the goal difference.”
The first half was tense, with the only real goal-mouth action courtesy of a home penalty corner just missing the upright.
Mid-way through the second half, Portugal almost broke the deadlock, but attacker David Franco missed a golden opportunity with the goal begging.
Nevertheless, the un-Portuguese sounding William Rogerson finally opening the scoring in the 59th minute to leave Graham Moodie’s side deflated.
A late rally wasn’t enough for the Scots and as a result, face an uphill climb to gain promotion from the competition.

Scotland U21’s hopes of promotion to the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship were ended even before they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to Ireland in Lousada earlier today.

Portugal’s 2-1 win over Italy earlier in the day meant it was mathematically impossible for the junior Scots to finish in the top two places, and they subsequently finished third overall.

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(Photo Credit: Douglas Rogerson)

After a goalless first period, Ireland’s James Lorimer broke the deadlock from a penalty corner in the 46th minute.

Ed Greaves pulled Scotland back on level terms in the 61st minute from a penalty corner, but any hopes of a Scottish win were dashed by Neal Glassey and Mark Loughery’s field goals for the Irish in the 68th and 70th minute.

In Vienna, Scotland U21 Women cruised to a 5-0 win over Belarus in the EuroHockey Junior Nations Championship II this afternoon.

A double for Emma McGregor and goals from Millie Brown, Kirstin Peters and Jennifer Eadie made light work of the Belarussian rearguard.

CALA Edinburgh’s Millie Brown made an early impact on proceedings, netting the opening goal in the fifth minute with a field goal.

Three quick fire goals just after the mid-way point of the first half ensured a comfortable remainder of the match; Edinburgh University’s Kirstin Peters doubled the advantage for the Scots in the 19th minute before two field goals in the 21st and 23rd minute from Emma McGregor led to a 4-0 lead.

It took until two minutes from full-time for Scotland to add their goal tally, Jennifer Eadie wrapping up a 5-0 win from a penalty corner in the 68th minute.

The European campaign draws to a close against Poland tomorrow, where a win will ensure fourth place, but it’s fair to say the peculiar format of the competition has possibly denied the side a deserved opportunity to play for the promotion places.

 

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