Shepherd’s flock on a survival mission

Scotland’s survival in Europe’s top flight rests on today’s encounter with Spain and the final match against Czech Republic two days later, with only back-to-back victories enough to meet coach Gordon Shepherd’s aspirations, writes Craig Madden.

With pool match results carrying forward at the European Nations Championship in Amsterdam, Spain are top after thumping the Czechs 7-1 while Scotland and Ireland have a point each following their 0-0 draw. So Shepherd’s charges need to take something from the Spanish game if they hope to secure one of the top two safety places.

That will not be an easy task. Spain are seven places above the Scots in the world rankings. The sides last met in the semi-finals of the World League earlier this year, Spain winning 2-1 with Amy Costello scoring a last-minute penalty corner for a consolation.

There were an additional eight matches in the last year and Spain have won all but one, which ended in a goalless draw, so form is not on Shepherd’s side. But the Scotland coach has been down this road before, and successfully. Late victories in the relegation competition have preserved Scotland’s status in the last two European Championships.