Lessons learned in Spain by Scotland U21 men
Friday – Spain U21 4 v 0 Scotland U21
Saturday – Spain U21 2 v 0 Scotland U21
Monday – Spain U21 1 v 0 Scotland U21
Scotland U21 men showed real progress over a three-match outing against a very good Spain U21 side, who are on route to the Junior World Cup in India.
The opening game of the three-match trip resulted in a 4-0 defeat, after which Head Coach Graeme Moodie said his Scotland side were not yet at the right level. It was a disappointing start for the Scots but in the last two games of the tour Scotland were much more in the contest – defending well and creating chances.
The second game was on Saturday and saw Scotland resolve their defensive inefficiencies from the first game. They lost 2-0 to Spain but showed vast improvement from the previous day.
The third and final game saw Scotland produce their best performance of the trip in a narrow 1-0 defeat, with Spain scoring the only goal after ten minutes. Scotland had chances to score and were unlucky not to find an equaliser.
The three games showed a good progression from the disappointment of the first meeting, with defensive progress in the second game, and attacking threat carried in the third. Graeme Moodie said his side have to learn a lesson from the first game that they can’t start so slowly against quality opposition.
Jamie Wong was a stand out for Scotland and there were notable performances from Hamish Imrie, Patch Christie and Ben Cosgrove.
The games against Spain signal the end of the summer programme for Scotland U21. Their next outing will see them play England U21 on 19-21 September at Lilleshall. The last time the two met it resulted in a 2-2 draw and a 5-2 victory for England. Scotland U21 Head Coach Graeme Moodie said the prospect of facing England is an exciting challenge.
Squad Details:
|
Steven McIlravey |
Menzieshill |
GK |
|
Gordon Amour |
Edinburgh University |
D/M |
|
Jock Breckenridge |
Edinburgh University |
D |
|
Fabian Goldie |
Western Wildcats |
D |
|
Jamie Wong |
Edinburgh University |
D/M |
|
Chris McFadden |
Clydesdale |
D |
|
Fraser Henderson |
Bath University |
D |
|
Ben Cosgrove |
Menzieshill |
M |
|
Patrick Christie |
Durham University |
M |
|
Joe McConnell |
Western Wildcats |
M |
|
Conor Annand |
Loughborough University |
M |
|
Rob Harwood |
Western Wildcats |
M/F |
|
Ed Greaves |
Loughborough University |
M/F |
|
Patrick Lonergan |
Clydesdale |
M/F |
|
Kyle Gladwin |
Bath University |
F |
|
Hamish Imrie |
Beeston |
F |
|
Tom Graham |
Durham University |
F |
|
Luke Cranney |
Western Wildcats |
F |
Recent posts:
- Grand Finals finale serves big performances to end the season
- Stage set for a classic Grand Finals
- The business end of the Premierships with play-offs and European places at stake
- Edinburgh University win classic Women’s Scottish Cup Final in Glasgow
- Edinburgh University wins Men’s Scottish Cup in sensational finals day
- Edinburgh University aim for cup double but Hillhead and Watsonians may have other ideas
- Duncan Riddell retires from international hockey
- Medals for Watsonians and Clydesdale Western in the Euros but Grange missed out
- Clean sweep for Scotland women with win over Wales
- Hat-trick of wins for Scotland's Euro clubs and medal opportunities