Scotland women U21 beaten by clinical Ulster U23

Lorna Cruickshank Scotland U21 womenScotland women U21 0 Ulster U23 2

 

Scotland’s U21 women were beaten 2-0 by Ulster U23 in a close and exciting game at the National Hockey Centre, Glasgow. The hosts probably deserved more for their efforts but came up against a well organised defence and a clinical attack.

Scotland got off to a good start, applying pressure well in the early stages. Lorna Cruickshank, Drew Berry, and Kerry-Anne Hastings were all causing problems early doors.

Despite Scotland having the majority of the possession it was Ulster that created the better opportunities. The visitors’ first attempt was met by a good save at the feet of Zara Malseed by Erin Gilchrist in goal for Scotland. Moments later Malseed came close again, this time Gilchrist made a save at close range with her legs.

Scotland’s first opportunity resulted in a disallowed goal. Cruickshank thought she’d scored when she followed in an Initial shot saved after good work by the Ellie Hutcheson. The goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up.

Ulster broke quickly but Ellie Halliday was solid in defence and won the ball well – nicking it off an Ulster stick before a clear shot at goal opened up. The first quarter was fast and frenetic but Scotland were living with the pace well.

The opening goal came early in the second quarter. Ulster’s Naomi Harkness scored a well-worked goal after a great run by Chloe Brown. 1-0.

Scotland nearly responded instantly. A sweeping attack between Berry, Hutcheson, and Chloe Hardie saw the latter’s shot saved brilliantly. Scotland were denied what would have been a fantastic goal by the keeper who sprung to the rescue with a diving save.

The game raged on with both sides defending well. On the brink of half time an opening presented itself to Ulster’s Harkness, but she hit a fresh air shot with just the keeper to beat. It was good build up by Ulster and Scotland were let off the hook.

 

Chloe Hardie Scotland U21 Women

HT – Scotland U21 0 Ulster U21 1

 

Ulster get the second half underway and Kerri McDonald had a chance early on but solid Scottish defending shut off any chance of a clear shot on goal.

Scotland had a lot of the ball, and attacked frequently, but were unable to fashion a clear opportunity. Ulster, working hard, were resolute in defence.

The hosts created a chance for an equaliser when they burst forward in a brilliant break from defence. After some quality passing the impressive Cruickshank couldn’t convert. Ulster then broke themselves and after a ricochet in the shooting circle, Zoe Wilson forced it over the line to make it 2-0.

Then came Scotland’s best attempt of the match. Pressing high, a hard low shot looked a certain goal but was met by a sensational save by the goalkeeper. The ball just wouldn’t go in the net for Scotland.

As full time edged closer, Scottish attacks were well managed by the Ulster defence. Halliday smashed the ball into the shooting circle but it was batted away before a Scottish stick could get near it.

Then dazzling skills by Tess Hannah set up Hardie, but a penalty corner was awarded when advantage may have been better for the Scots. Back-to-back penalty corners saw Frances Lonergan denied twice by good saves.

Ulster themselves had a goal disallowed at the death and the final hooter brought a highly entertaining game to an end. The pair will meet for the final time today at noon, at the National Hockey Centre in Glasgow.

Ellie Hutcheson U21 Scotland Women

FT Scotland U21 0 Ulster U23 2

 

Scotland U21

The squad for the matches is:

Susan Al Haddad (Match 1 and 2)

Megan Inch

Erin Gilchrist

Alison Eadie

Iona Armour

Lorna Cruickshank

McKenzie Bell

Drew Berry

Emily Cross

Ellie Halliday

Ellie Hutcheson

Tess Hannah

Chloe Hardie

Kerry Anne Hastings

Katie Hibbert

Frances Lonergan

Emma McDairmid

Shona McNab

Makenzie Brown

 

Ulster U23

Ashley McIlroy

Hannah Gieve

Alex Ogilby

Pippa Best

Taite Doherty

Ruth Maguire

Zoe Wilson

Chloe Brown

Zara Malseed

Kerri McDonald

Naomi Harkness

Emma Kernohan

Faye Kidd

Jane Kilpatrick

Emma Quinn

Rebecca Mercer

 

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