Spain enjoy starter for 10 as Commonwealth side lie in wait
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........ ....................................... Spain’s senior squad, ranked 14th in the world, were always likely to prove a tough assignment for Scotland’s under-21s,
Their comprehensive victory at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre yesterday certainly reflected that.
The young Scots are in the final phase of their build-up for the European Junior Championships in Vienna next month and will be relieved that they will not come up against opposition comparable to the lively Spanish.
The writing was on the wall as early as the fourth minute when Carlota Petchame clipped a shot past Nicki Cochrane, the Edinburgh University goalkeeper. Further goals from Beatriz Perez, who forced home following a scramble in the circle, and Gloria Comerma – who scored with a low penalty-corner drag-flick – followed in quick succession. Perez then added her second just before the interval.
After the break, Lucia Ybarra tapped in at the back post, Petchame struck again with a shot then from close range to complete her hat trick, and there were goals for Alicia Magaz, Georgina Olivia and Soledad Contardi too.
Gordon Shepherd, the Scotland coach, will send out his Commonwealth Games squad for their second test against Spain this morning. The early start – the match will start at 9am – is at Shepherd’s request, as he wants his squad to experience the issues surrounding a very early push-back as the matches at the Games against both Australia and England are also at that time.
“It was not one of our better performances, although we did create more chances than the Spanish but did not convert them,” said Shepherd, whose side lost the first match on Thursday 3-2. “I have identified areas that need improving and we will work on those for the next game. We can certainly win the game.”
Spain are the ideal opposition for Shepherd’s players given that they are now in the latter stages of their build-up for the Commonwealth Games. They are two places above the Scots in the world rankings and are a very competitive side under English coach Adrian Lock.