Scotland left frustrated by Spanish defeat

Two goals from Spanish striker Maria Gomez consigned Scotland to a 2-1 defeat in the second pool match of the EuroHockey Nations Championship in Belgium today. Scotland’s goal came from a Nikki Kidd penalty corner in the first half.

As a result, Scotland will most probably contest the relegation pool when it gets underway on Thursday, with two wins the likely objective for Scotland Head Coach Gordon Shepherd and his side if they want to retain their place in the top championship division.

Nikki Kidd v Spain

(Midfielder Nikki Kidd’s penalty corner strike wasn’t enough for Scotland against Spain today. Credit: Frank Uijenbroek)

Scotland got off to the worst possible start when they found themselves behind within the first sixty seconds of the match.

Carlote Petchame’s pass from the left hand touchline found Maria Gomez inside the circle and the Spanish striker’s first time reverse stick shot flew past Scotland goalkeeper Amy Gibson into the the bottom right hand corner of the net to leave the Scots trailing 1-0.

Maria Gomez Spain

(Maria Gomez celebrates giving Spain an early lead. Credit: Frank Uijenbroek)

Gibson had to be alert to stop Spain from increasing their advantage in the sixth minute when she dived low to her right to prevent a penalty corner drag-flick finding the top left hand corner of the goal.

Gordon Shepherd’s side eventually found a rhythm and Sam Judge worked Maria Lopez in the Spanish goal with two quickfire attempts in the eighth minute of the match.

Scotland were then awarded a penalty corner in the ninth minute and Nikki Kidd made no mistake from the set-piece as she unleashed an unstoppable drag-flick drive into the left hand corner of the net to put her side back on level terms at 1-1.

A period of Scottish dominance followed thereafter, with Judge, Nicki Skrastin and Ali Bell all having opportunities in front of goal.

It was therefore a moment of deep frustration for the Scots when Spain regained the lead against the run of play in the 27th minute.

Maria Romagosa found space on the right touchline to fire in a dangerous cross, which Gibson got a touch on to clear the initial danger. However, the ball fell to Petchame just inside the circle and she combined again with Gomez for the striker to execute a close range tap-in for her and Spain’s second goal.

Vikki Bunce v Spain

(Vikki Bunce propels another attack for Scotland against Spain. Credit: Frank Uijenbroek)

The second half was a cagey tight affair and the first real attempt on goal didn’t come until the 45th minute when Judge skewed a great chance to find her side an equaliser wide of the post.

The Scottish defence was alert to clear a Spanish penalty corner attempt in the 51st minute, while Gibson made another great save to prevent Gomez getting a hat-trick with a reverse stick glance two minutes later.

Judge went close again with another snap-shot on goal, Ali Howie was denied by a double save from Lopez, while Becky Merchant kept Scotland in the match with a goal-line clearance.

With time running out, Shepherd took off Gibson to put on an extra outfield player and it almost paid off as Susan McGilveray’s deflected shot cannoned off the post right on full-time.

However, it was not to be as Spain celebrated their win at the full-time hooter, leaving Scotland with a tough challenge ahead for the remainder of the competion. The Scots will play England in their final Pool B match on Tuesday 20 August (14.00), which is live on BBC Red Button and the BBC Sport website.

Cat Ralph v Spain

(Scotland’s Cat Ralph cuts a disappointed figure at the full-time hooter. Credit: Frank Uijenbroek)

For fixtures, results and pool standings, please visit the EuroHockey Nations Championship website.

Scotland Senior Women: Amy Gibson (Clydesdale Western), Nicola Cochrane (Edinburgh University), Vikki Bunce (Dundee Wanderers), Morag McLellan (Clydesdale Western), Alison Bell (Grove Menzieshill), Catriona Ralph (Clydesdale Western), Samantha Judge (Edinburgh University), Holly Cram (Clydesdale Western), Linda Clement (Captain, Grove Menzieshill), Kareena Marshall (Western Wildcats), Leigh Fawcett (Grove Menzieshill), Rebecca Merchant (Edinburgh University), Nikki Kidd (Edinburgh University), Susan McGilveray (Clydesdale Western), Nicola Lloyd (Sevenoaks), Alison Howie (Clydesdale Western), Nicola Skrastin (Clydesdale Western), Emily Maguire (Reading).

Scotland line up v Spain

(Scotland Senior Women line-up for the national anthem before their game against Spain. Credit: Frank Uijlenbroek)

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