Scotland men draw away to Wales in second match of the series

Scotland men and Wales battled out a highly competitive 0-0 draw in Cardiff, with Scotland winning the shootout in sudden death.

In searing heat, the opening quarter was tough for both sides. The Scots started well, and played with good structure, but the quarter became messy for both sides in the hot conditions.

Despite this, Scotland created good chances to take the lead. Some good play on the right side saw the ball squared to Andy McConnell, and a shot on the turn rattled the Welsh crossbar.

Jamie Golden also came close with a penalty corner effort that narrowly went past the post, and Struan Walker also had a penalty corner effort saved to deny the Scots the lead.

The second quarter saw Scotland play better on and off the ball, with good connections being made all over the pitch. However, the opening goal still evaded them.

Scotland became more dominant in the second half and the third quarter saw Wales sit off the visitors, allowing the Blue Sticks more time to build and create good circle penetrations on both sides of the pitch.

Some good efforts where attackers dove in at the far post saw the Welsh survive as the final finish evaded the Scots.

Scotland’s best chance of the match then came from the penalty spot. Lee Morton made a great run down the right side and was fouled for a penalty stroke. Alan Forsyth, returning to the team for the first time this summer, stepped up but had his effort well saved to keep the scores level.

The final quarter saw Scotland continue to press for the win, and create good chances with Walker; Golden; and Forsyth all picking up good positions, but were unable to convert in the heat of Cardiff.

The match ended 0-0, and after a 2-2 score line in the shootout the contest went to sudden death. David Forrester in goals was tremendous as the Scots eventually took the victory in the shootout.

They meet again in Cardiff for the final match of the series tomorrow at 11am.

Head Coach Jonny Caren said, “It’s very pleasing to keep a clean sheet, given the emphasis we have placed on our defensive structures, and the only disappointment from today, was not capitalising on the quality opportunities we created. I’m really proud of how the players are working hard to make gains every time we take the pitch together.

“We had another new senior men’s representative today, in Keir Robb and it was great to compliment that with the return of the experienced Lee Morton and Alan Forsyth. It will take time to build connections but we’re making good progress both on and off the pitch. The series is set up nicely as a final tomorrow, after taking that step forward from Thursday night’s game by winning the shootout against world number 15, Wales.”

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