Scots youngsters triumph over Malaysia

Scotland`s under-21 side caught the Malaysians cold with a 1-0 victory in the second match at Clydesdale tonight and thereby won the overall series after drawing the first match 1-1 the day before. Quite a remarkable achievement considering the limitations to preparation due to COVID restrictions and the fact that Malaysia is ranked 11th in the world and on its way to the Junior World Cup in India next month.

A very encouraging sign for coach Graham Moodie as he prepares his Scotland youngsters for the European under-21 Championships in Belgium next summer.

U21 v Malaysia at Clydesdale.
Photo: Rob Lindblade

A delighted Scotland coach Graham Moodie said: “I thought we played really well against a top-class side who were very difficult to score against, and their keeper played really well.

“I was really pleased we finished the series undefeated, and it was great to end with a win. It was a very positive performance throughout and playing against the Asian style was a great experience for the youngsters, although perhaps we need to work on being more clinical in our finishing.”

U21 v Malaysia at Clydesdale.
Photo: Rob Lindblade

The Scots youngsters started strongly with five shots and three penalty corners, the best chance came when Fraser Heigh`s shot was blocked, and Euan Burgess just failed to net the rebound.

The chances continued to flow in the second quarter, Jamie Golden had a couple of penalty corner shots blocked by the keeper and the same fate befell a chance for Andrew Webb. However, at the other end the Malaysians might have stolen the lead but for a brilliant goal line save by Andrew McAllister at a penalty corner.

The start of the second half was fairly even although Matt Taylor and Noah Jones had their chances to score but were denied by the keeper.

But the breakthrough came ten minutes from the end, the provider was Jones who fed the ball on to Keir Robb and the Edinburgh University striker launched a back hand shot into the roof of the net for a fitting winner.

The Scots finished the game strongly, David Nairn could have doubled the tally, but Moodie`s charges ensured that there was no last minute equaliser this time.

U21 men v Malaysia U21 at Clydesdale.

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