Scotland secure European A Division status

Unibet EuroHockey Championships 2015 (W)

Pool C Result

Scotland 2 – 0 Poland

VICTORY OVER POLAND ENSURES SCOTLAND`S SURVIVAL

 

Scotland finally retained their place among Europe`s elite with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Poland in the final relegation pool match at the European Nations Championships in London150830 SCO POL 42.

 

The cause was perhaps helped by Belgium`s 4-3 win over Italy in an earlier match, the result left the Scots still in second spot in the pool, now only needing to avoid defeat against the Poles to finish a creditable sixth and retain their place in the top tier.   But in reality, the Scots took the game to the Poles, totally dominated proceedings, and came away with a thoroughly deserved win to settle the issue in style.

 

The Scots were in control right from the start, they pressed the Polish defence without creating too many early openings, but the pressure was relieved by a dreadful error by the Polish defence.    The ball was donated to Nikki Bunce in the circle, her initial shot cannoned off a post and Nikki Lloyd`s follow up effort was well blocked by the goalkeeper.    Not learning from their earlier mistake the Polish defence failed to clear the danger, the ball eventually fell kindly to Nikki Kidd and the Mannheimer striker buried her low reverse stick shot in the Polish net.

 

The Scots had a couple of chances to extend their lead, a Kareena Marshall`s shot went wide of the goal and also Amy Brodie`s outstretched stick after good build-up work by Louise Campbell, while Kidd`s penalty corner effort was well blocked by the goalkeeper.

 

Although in total command of proceedings Scotland coach Gordon Shepherd urged the need to still go forward at his half-time interview, and his charges almost scored again in the opening minutes when a Kidd cross from the right was sent just wide of the target by Bunce.   Becky Merchant received a ball at the top of the circle but was brilliantly tackled before she could unleash a shot.

 

The Scots doubled their tally six minutes into the second half, Nikki Lloyd and Kidd interchanged up the right to open up the Polish defence, but instead of shooting the latter unselfishly squared the ball to the unmarked Bunce who swept it into the unguarded net.

 

The Poles now needed three goals to keep their top flight status, but a well-marshalled Scottish defence in front of goalkeeper Amy Gibson were determined to keep a clean sheet.    At the other end the Scots continued to press the Polish circle forcing them to defend in numbers.

 

Chances to extend the score continued to come, captain Leigh Fawcett`s penalty corner shot was well saved by the goalkeeper, an off-balanced Kidd failed to direct the ball goalwards, then Nikki Skrastin created an opening for herself only for her shot to be deflected clear.

 

With just under four minutes left Gibson, after a very confident display between the posts, gave way to Nicky Cochrane for her first outing of the tournament.    The Scots played out the final minutes of the contest with no threat to their winning position.

 

“I was happy we managed to stay in the top flight for the second time in a row, especially with a relatively new squad,” said Shepherd.  “We took the game to the Poles, it was a professional team effort where every player stepped up to the mark.”

 

Amid the celebrations there were two other personal accolades, Dundee Wanderers` defender Becky Ward collected her 100th Scottish cap and Nikki Kidd, who was directly involved in both goals, was named the player of the match..

Scotland Senior Women: Amy Brodie, Leigh Fawcett, captain (both Grove Menzieshill), Fiona Bruce, Ali Howie, Susan McGilveray, Nicki Skrastin (all Clydesdale Western), Louise Campbell, Nikki Cochrane, Becky Merchant (all Edinburgh University), Vikki Bunce, Becky Ward (both Dundee Wanderers), Aileen Davis (Clifton), Amy Gibson (Slough), Nikki Kidd (Mannheimer), Nikki Lloyd (Wimbledon), Emily Maguire (Reading), Kareena Marshall (Western Wildcats), Sarah Robertson (Holcolme)

Visit the official EuroHockey 2015 website for information on the competition.

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