Draw for Scots after ‘physical’ encounter

A scoreless draw between Scotland and Ireland women in the Rabo Euro-Hockey Championship leaves both sides equal on one point and goal difference after two games in Amsterdam.

Scotland face England tomorrow in their next game.

The Scots exerted pressure early on.

With attackers poised to strike, Kate Holmes’ cut-back was blocked by the Irish keeper.

Tight Scotland defence thwarted Ireland in the second quarter, and the latter failed to make the most of a penalty corner.

Millie Brown earned a penalty corner for Scotland in the second half, with Nikki Lloyd coming close.

Alie Howie then charged out to block an Irish penalty corner.

There was another Ireland penalty corner at the start of the final quarter.

However, the Scots held out with a fine block on the line.

Sarah Robertson then won a penalty corner for Scotland. Amy Costello’s shot was deflected.

Ireland broke away and won a penalty corner but failed to convert.

Scotland head coach Gordon Shepherd said: “It was a tough, physical game, and we knew it would be, and it could have gone either way.

“I think the draw was a fair result in the end.

“We played very well in the third quarter and could have taken advantage of being a player up in the fourth, but the girls gave it everything. I’m really proud of the players. Nothing was left behind,” he added.

“We’re looking forward to the England game now.

“We’re playing a lot of Olympic gold medallists and it’ll be a very tough match, but we’re not scared of them and we’ll be well prepared and give it everything we have.”

Sarah Robertson said: “That was a match that could have gone either way.

“We wanted the three points, but a point is better than a defeat.

“It’s always a close game against England.

“We’ll recover well over the next 48 hours and give it everything we’ve got in the next match.”