Scots must wait to secure A Division status

Scotland`s target of a top six spot and survival in the European Nations Championships is now dependant on Sunday’s final match as Gordon Shepherd`s charges went down 1-0 to 12th ranked Belgium in the second relegation pool match.

Belgium scored in the opening minute leaving the Scots under pressure for the rest of the contest, but their cause was hindered by some unforced errors in a game that the Belgians controlled throughout.

The result means that Belgium will certainly finish in the top two and thereby secure their survival in the top flight, but the Scots could still join them if they can take the three points from tomorrow`s crucial final game against Poland.

In an earlier game Poland and Italy fought out a 1-1 draw, and both sides remain two points behind the Scots in the table, so their destiny still lies in their own hands.

The nightmare start came when the Scots defence gave away a penalty corner in the opening minute, the initial shot found its way through to Louise Versavel who slid the ball past Amy Gibson with her reverse stick.

Although the Belgians were the more enterprising side, the Scots had a chance to level just before the end of the first quarter at their first penalty corner, the ball was slipped to Kareena Marshall but her shot across the goal went directly to a Belgian defender who cleared the danger.

The Belgians continued to dominate the second quarter with only half-chances falling to Nikki Kidd and a Susan McGilveray cross that just missed a Scottish stick.

While the Belgian goalkeeper was less busy, at the other end Gibson was forced into several crucial saves to prevent the Scots falling further behind.

Gibson blocked two penalty corner shots, the second with a brilliant left handed save, while Kareena Marshall had to look lively to block a dangerous Belgian attack.

The first real chance of the second half fell to Becky Merchant but her effort was foiled by the Belgian goalkeeper who has been having a fine tournament.

The Scots had to survive two further set piece scares while at the other end they lost their video referral after making a penalty corner claim.

The final quarter was characterised by atrition, with both teams defending well, but the Scots had a good chance to save the match with five minutes to go at a penalty corner but Emily Maguire`s shot was diverted to savety by the goalkeeper.

Scotland put in some late pressure to get something out of the game but in the end they failed to create any clear-cut chances.

“I was very disappointed at the level of performance given the high standards we had set in the original pool competition, we didn`t deserve anything from today.   We need to return to level we set in the pool matches for the final game against Poland,” said Gordon Shepherd, Scotland`s coach.