Scotland in impressive form

Scotland’s senior women completed the first of a two-part European mission with an impressive win over Poland at rain-soaked Glasgow Green last night.

The hosts had Emily Dark to thank for giving them a head start in the second minute, just before the pitch flooded and play had to be temporarily halted.

The Dundee Wanderers player put the final touch to Sarah Robertson’s inviting cross, diverting the ball beyond Poland’s Marsha Kucharska.

When play resumed skipper Kaz Cuthbert’s amazing run of goals continued with a sweetly-struck rebound to double the advantage in the 12th minute.

On the stroke of half-time two ex-Grove Menzieshill players combined to give the Tartan Hearts’ promotion aspirations a further boost.

Sarah Jamieson engineered opportunity for Perth’s “Squidge” Campbell to dive in – appropriate in the circumstances – and steer the ball over the line at the far post.

Reaching the EuroHockey Championship II final ensures the players pick up a medal. However, guaranteeing top-level status for Scotland in the 2021 was the primary target.

The Scots will line up against Italy, 4-0 winners over Austria, in front of a sell-out crowd at 4.15pm today.

Results: Relegation pool – Turkey 2 Czech Republic 5, Wales 7 Ukraine 3; semi-finals – Italy 4 Austria 0, Scotland 3 Poland 0.

Today’s match schedule: Relegation pool – Wales v Czech Republic (9.15am), Ukraine v Turkey (11.45am); 3rd/4th – Austria v Poland (2pm); final – Italy v Scotland (4.15pm).