Scots stay on track for promotion

Scotland’s mission to win promotion remained on track after a hard-earned 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic in the second of three Pool B encounters in EuroHockey Championship II at Glasgow Green.

A stuffy first half ended goalless before Amy Costello boosted home hopes with a setpiece strike that smashed into the backboard two minutes after the restart.

Five minutes further on and a crafty double switch left skipper Kaz Cuthbert perfectly placed to make it 2-0 for the Scots as they stepped up a gear.

The Czechs came back into the game and won two penalty corners but both proved fruitless.

The Czechs took a leaf out of Scotland’s book as Adela Lehovcova eventually halved the deficit but their success was limited as Louise Campbell immediately netted the goal of the game from a Robyn Collins pass.

With nothing to lose the Czechs piled forward forcing Nicki Cochrane into an outstanding save before their next counterattack paid dividends courtesy of Veronika Decsyova. With just the one goal in it the last seven minutes were nervy but the Scots buckled down to solid defending and held out to guarantee their place in the last four.

Scotland coach Jen Wilson said: “I’m delighted to get the win.

“T he players have shown great progression and are showing their excellent qualities at this tournament.”

Results:

Pool A – Wales 5, Turkey 1; Poland 0, Italy 0; Italy 10, Turkey 1; Wales 2, Poland 2.

Standings (Phase 1) – 1 Italy, 2 Poland, 3 Wales, 4 Turkey.

Pool B – Czech Republic 2, Scotland 3; Ukraine 1, Austria 2, Ukraine 4 Czech Republic 3, Scotland 3 Austria 0.

Standings (phase 1) – 1 Scotland, 2 Austria, 3 Ukraine, 4 Czech Republic.