India to the four /Early goal not enough for Scots in World League

Scotland were underdogs for their opening pool match against India at the hockey World League semi-finals in London but held their own for most of the match against the No 6-ranked nation. A disastrous third quarter, however, saw the Indians emerge 4-1 winners, writes Craig Madden.

The Scots caught the Indians cold when captain Chris Grassick, returning to the international scene for the first time in almost a year following a serious knee injury, gave his side a shock lead after just two minutes.

A move up the right found Kenny Bain on the baseline and a brilliant piece of skill by the HGC striker created an opening at the far post, where Grassick finished off the move in style.

India pressed for an immediate equaliser and Reading goalkeeper Tommy Alexander made a couple of brilliant saves to deny them.

The Scots were defending strongly against a side with their tails up and Alexander was called upon on several further occasions to preserve the lead. A rare Scotland attack saw Gavin Byers intercept the ball but then fail to pick out Alan Forsyth.

Eventually, four goals in 11 minutes in the third quarter knocked the stuffing out of the Scots.

Ramandeep Singh scored

0 The jubilant Scotland players celebrate captain Chris Grassick’s second-minute goal against India in London yesterday. twice in as many minutes, Akashdeep Singh made amends for an earlier miss and Harmanpreet Singh added a fourth from a penalty which flew past Alexander into the roof of the net.

The Scots had chances for a second goal. A Lee Morton run into the circle looked dangerous but came to nothing and, moments later, Tim Atkins fired a perfect cross into the circle but Forsyth failed to connect.

Afterwards, Scotland coach Derek Forsyth said: “We got off to a great start and played really well throughout the first quarter, certainly defensively.

“At half time we discussed being better on the ball and trying to cause a few new problems for India. Unfortunately we got off to a bad start in the third quarter, and got punished. We know where we need to improve and we will. Our aim is to improve with each performance throughout the tournament.”

Scotland’s next outing is against the world No 4 side the Netherlands tomorrow.