Scotland men defeat Wales to win three match series in Cardiff

An excellent 4-1 victory saw Scotland Men win their three-match series against Wales in Cardiff. The matches form part of Scotland’s preparations for EuroHockey Championship II in Dublin next month, and the team’s first games together under new head coach, Jonny Caren.

Following two hard fought draws, where the Scots had placed a lot of focus on the defensive side of the game, today’s performance saw Scotland switch to offensive principles whilst maintaining their strong defensive platform. The offensive quality was clear to see from the start.

The opening quarter was Scotland’s best first quarter of the series; holding possession well and pushing Wales back into their own half. There were early chances by good forward momentum from Scotland’s backline, supported by a dominant midfield, resulting in Craig Falconer having the first clear opportunity of the game at the top D.

With continuous pressure in defence, and good ball movement, Scotland finally found an opening at the top of the circle, and it was Struan Walker who found space and gave himself the opportunity to strike at goal to put Scotland 1-0 up with three minutes to go in the quarter.

Wales started the second quarter at a much higher tempo and asked a lot of questions of the Scottish midfield and defence. The high intensity resulted in a lot of big tackles from both sides, and unfortunately Scotland lost Robbie Croll to injury early in the quarter after a heavy tackle.

Then the home side found an equaliser. Wales combined well on the right side of the pitch to find space on the baseline and throw a ball across the circle to an unmarked Tom Wood to tip in. 1-1.

Scotland regrouped and played out the remainder of the quarter with a much better structure.

The second half of the game saw Scotland come to life in attack again. With Wales pushing hard for their second, it was Scotland’s intensity in defence, evident throughout the last two games, set the platform for the goals to come.

Alan Forsyth, struck first following some great forward interchanges which found him free on the back post to make it 2-1.

Kyle White continued his goal scoring form in the fourth quarter with yet another great two touch finish, this time on the reverse, following a great take from a perfect aerial ball from Duncan Riddell.

With Wales needing to push for a goal they removed their keeper to play with the extra man. Scotland continued their defensive work rate, and created a last minute opportunity from high pressure from the forward line winning the ball. Keir Robb won the ball and threw an aerial for a one v one race between James Drummond and the Welsh defender, with Drummond winning the battle to make it 4-1.

Head Coach, Jonny Caren, said after the game “It is of course great to get the series win, after all, we want to win in every game, series and tournament we play in. What’s more important for me is the growth and connections we have made in such a small period of time. What will be vital for our development is that we continue this over the next three weeks in our final preparation towards the Europeans.”

“In this series we saw everyone step up, work hard together, and create a healthy competitive environment for a space to represent Scotland at the Europeans.”

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