Scotland defeated despite second half comeback against South Africa

 

Despite a valiant second half comeback, Scotland Senior Women lost the second test 4-2 against South Africa at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria earlier today.
Captain Linda Clement and Nikki Lloyd registered on the scoresheet for the national side, while a Lilian du Plessis double, together with goals from Kelly Madsen and Sulett Damons, gave the home side their win.
The Scots go 2-0 down in the five match series but following the full-time hooter, Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd was far from despondent, stating, “We found ourselves three down at the break to an excellent South African team after a very difficult first half.
“However it speaks volumes for the spirit and character of this squad of girls that we fought our way back into the contest before conceding from an overtime penalty corner conversion. Fight, desire, commitment, team work and a never give up attitude is what makes this team.”
The South Africans took an early lead in the seventh minute when Madsen popped up in the circle to net a rebound following debutant Siobhan Cowie’s initial block from a penalty corner.
Scotland nearly found an equaliser in the 13th minute when Jennifer Eadie fired a shot narrowly wide of the far post; Clement’s deflected effort flew over the bar shortly after; and Nicola Skrastin just missed out in front of goal after good work at the baseline from Sarah Robertson.
It was therefore slightly against the run of play that the home side doubled their advantage in the 17th minute after du Plessis’ strike took a deflection off a stick and looped over Cowie, who was left helpless.
Two minutes later a Du Plessis’ drag-flick was superbly saved and cleared by Cat Ralph, but South Africa were not be denied a third goal before half-time, and in the 29th minute, Quanita Bobbs and Evans combined for captain Damons to beat Cowie.
A determined Scotland came back and were only thwarted by a superb smother of Ailsa Wylie’s shot by keeper Hanli Hattingh from inside the six-yard box after Holly Cram’s powerful, pinpoint cross from the right.
Into the second half, and Scotland got themselves back into the match in the 53rd minute after Linda Clement followed up Susan McGilveray’s strike from the penalty corner to make it 3-1.
McGilveray then forced a double save from Hattingh, before Lloyd ensured a close finish in the 67th minute after she was on hand to strike the ball home after the hosts’ ‘keeper saved well from Ralph’s penalty corner attempt.
With the Scots pushing for an equaliser, Du Plessis made sure of a home win, netting right on the 70th minute to leave the final scoreline 4-2.

Despite a valiant second half comeback, Scotland Senior Women lost the second test 4-2 against South Africa at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria earlier today.

Captain Linda Clement and Nikki Lloyd registered on the scoresheet for the national side, while a Lilian du Plessis double, together with goals from Kelly Madsen and Sulett Damons, gave the home side their win.

scot34

(Scotland captain Linda Clement and Nikki Lloyd both found themselves on the scoresheet against South Africa)

The Scots go 2-0 down in the five match series but following the full-time hooter, Scotland Senior Women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd was far from despondent, stating, “We found ourselves three down at the break to an excellent South African team after a very difficult first half.

“However it speaks volumes for the spirit and character of this squad of girls that we fought our way back into the contest before conceding from an overtime penalty corner conversion. Fight, desire, commitment, team work and a never give up attitude is what makes this team.”

The South Africans took an early lead in the seventh minute when Madsen popped up in the circle to net a rebound following debutant Siobhan Cowie’s initial block from a penalty corner.

Scotland nearly found an equaliser in the 13th minute when Jennifer Eadie fired a shot narrowly wide of the far post; Clement’s deflected effort flew over the bar shortly after; and Nicola Skrastin just missed out in front of goal after good work at the baseline from Sarah Robertson.

Jen Eadie v SA

(Jennifer Eadie fires a shot on goal against South Africa)

It was therefore slightly against the run of play that the home side doubled their advantage in the 17th minute after du Plessis’ strike took a deflection off a stick and looped over Cowie, who was left helpless.

Two minutes later a Du Plessis’ drag-flick was superbly saved and cleared by Cat Ralph, but South Africa were not be denied a third goal before half-time, and in the 29th minute, Quanita Bobbs and Evans combined for captain Damons to beat Cowie.

A determined Scotland came back and were only thwarted by a superb smother of Ailsa Wylie’s shot by keeper Hanli Hattingh from inside the six-yard box after Holly Cram’s powerful, pinpoint cross from the right.

Into the second half, and Scotland got themselves back into the match in the 53rd minute after Linda Clement followed up Susan McGilveray’s strike from the penalty corner to make it 3-1.

McGilveray then forced a double save from Hattingh, before Lloyd ensured a close finish in the 67th minute after she was on hand to strike the ball home after the hosts’ ‘keeper saved well from Ralph’s penalty corner attempt.

Susan Mc v SA

(Scotland defender Susan McGilveray lets loose with a shot on goal)

With the Scots pushing for an equaliser, Du Plessis made sure of a home win, netting right on the 70th minute to leave the final scoreline 4-2.

Photo Credit: Reg Caldecott

 

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