Scotland Senior Men miss out on Euro promotion chance

 

It was mixed day of emotions for Scotland Senior Men as they dropped into the relegation pool after just missing out on a place in the semi-finals of the EuroHockey Indoor Nations Championships II in Bern, Switzerland.

First match of the day saw Scotland go up against Switzerland, the last of the group matches, the Scots needed at least a draw if they wanted to progress to the promotion pool. Sadly the Swiss had the momentum of the crowd behind them and secured a 6-3 win.

After the NBA like introductions were presented to the home crowd, think circle lights and smoke, Switzerland came out strong on the attack. Allan Dick made some great saves but was soon beaten after 13 minutes to give the home side a 1-0 lead, then shortly after leaving the home side 2-0 up at half time.

Within seconds of the start of the second half a ball went through Dick’s legs to give the Swiss a 3-0 lead, which was soon followed by a fourth. Scotland kept on with five outfield players and soon enough in paid off in the 33rd minute when Willie Marshall scored by putting it through the keeper’s legs.

The Swiss caught Scotland off guard and went on the break to score in an open goal making it 5-1.

Scotland had put the pressure on, playing the last 10 minutes with five outfield players but risking not having a keeper. Sadly the Swiss played on a Scottish error and scored again to make it 6-1.

The Scots heads didn’t drop and were determined to score, with two minutes left Willie Marshall got his second with a tap in at the far post, which was soon followed by a great goal by Kenny Bain taking it on his reverse stick to the top left corner. However the second half surge wasn’t enough to see the Scots through, the game finishing 6-3.

With Belarus losing to France, Scotland moved down to third in Pool A and into the relegation pool.

Scotland then faced Belgium who also came third in their group, and they went into this game with confidence after beating Belgium last weekend in Brussels.

Both sides started strong, applying the pressure from the whistle, with Belgium having two penalty corners and hitting the post. They were soon rewarded with a goal at the ten minute mark, taking the lead 1-0.

They kept the pressure and forced Dick to make some great saves, but Scotland caught them on the counter attack with Kenny Bain equalising in the 14th minute. This spurred on Scotland and Chris Grassick put them ahead with a stunning shot in the top left corner to take the lead 2-1 at half time.

Within the first 30 seconds of the second half Scotland had a penalty corner that was put just wide.

After the disappointment of this morning, the national side wanted a strong performance and in the 28th minute they were rewarded for their hard work. Michael Ross slotted in Scotland’s third from a Forsyth pass across goal. The rest of the goals soon flooded in; a minute later Ross Stott got a goal and then another Ross goal slotting it under the goalie to make it 5-1.

Alan Forsyth and Grassick had a great one two on the break with Forsyth scoring the sixth for the Scots. With less than a minute to play, Kenny Bain increased Scotland’s lead to 7-1 with Niall Stott scoring a penalty flick to finish the game 8-1. A much improved performance from Scotland to see them top the table and most likely safe from relegation.

Scotland face Slovakia tomorrow morning at 10.40am who got their first win of the tournament earlier in the day against Belarus.

 

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