Scotland looking safe after 5-1 success over Italy in Vienna

 

EuroHockey Nations Championship II: Scotland (Forsyth 2′, 65′, Byers 19′, 45′, Bain 64′) 5-1 Italy (Murgia 11′)

Scotland Senior Men look likely to have ensured that they will stay in the EuroHockey Nations Championship II division after an emphatic 5-1 win over Italy in Vienna today.

A brace for both Alan Forsyth and Gavin Byers, plus a second half strike from Kenny Bain gave Scotland Head Coach Derek Forsyth and his players a vital victory in the relegation pool.

As a result, a draw against Ukraine tomorrow will be enough for the Scots to stave off the threat of demotion to the Championship III, and with both Italy and Wales lagging three points behind, consolidating their position in the division is almost guaranteed after today’s success.

The Scots took an early 1-0 lead in the second minute when Alan Forsyth took advantage of a rebound from a penalty corner set piece to finish past Italian goalkeeper Fabrizio Federici.

Alan Forsyth celebration vs. Italy

(Scotland striker Alan Forysth celebrates opening the scoring against Italy. Credit: Herbert Kratky)

However, Italy were back in the game soon after when Gabriele Murgia equalised from another short corner, beating Scotland goalkeeper Jamie Cachia with a low drive into the left hand corner to make it 1-1 in the 11th minute.

Scotland responded in the 19th minute when Grove Menzieshill midfielder Gavin Byers managed to neatly deflect the ball past Federici to give the national side a 2-1 advantage.

Gavin Byers Euro ITA

(Gavin Byers hit two goals for Scotland in the 5-1 win over Italy today. Credit: Herbert Kratky)

There were also chances for Paul Martin and Kenny Bain, while at the other end Cachia kept his side in front at half-time with a fine double save.

Into the second half and Scotland’s defence were working hard to withstand Italian pressure on their goal, with Cachia again being called into action with another double save and a goal-line clearance as Italy pushed for another equaliser.

The Scots’ resiliance paid off when Byers notched his second of the game in the 44th minute and put his side 3-1 up.

Bain was also causing the Italians havoc and his persistence resulted in a fourth goal for Scotland in the 64th minute.

Kenny Bain Euros ITA

(Kenny Bain capped off a fine performance with late goal against Italy. Credit: Herbert Kratky)

A minute later, Forsyth grabbed his second goal of the game to round off the scoring at 5-1.

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

Scotland Men: Jamie Cachia (Sheffield Hallam), Graham Moodie (Edinburgh University), Paul Martin (Grove Menzieshill), Alan Forsyth (Surbiton), Russell Anderson (Brooklands), Ian Moodie (Western Wildcats), Chris Nelson (Glynhill Hotel Kelburne), Kenny Bain (THC Hurley), William Marshall (Glynhill Hotel Kelburne), Iain Scholefield (Qui Vive), Wei Adams (Royal Penguins), Callum Duke (Edinburgh University), Ross Stott (Grove Menzieshill), Chris Grassick (Surbiton), Gavin Byers (Grove Menzieshill), Nick Parkes (Surbiton), David Forsyth (Qui Vive).

 

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