Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Difficult time for Scotland in the Euros
SPORTS
SCOTLAND’S hockey men had the most d i ff ic u lt task in the Eu roHockey Championships in Antwerp.
In the top level of this competition, they had to face Germany and Holland in their initial pool, both of whom are accustomed to collecting medals at all levels of competition.
Germany were their first opponents and to lose this match was no doubt expected, although the margin of the loss, 9-0, was disappointing.
The goals came throughout the match, two in each of the first three quarters and three in the last quarter.
Holland, favourites to qualify for the semi-finals along with Germany, defeated Ireland 5-2.
Sunday’s match against Ireland would go a long way towards deciding which of Scotland and the Irish would have the better record going into the relegation pool as seemed most likely.
Scotland were 3-1 ahead but the Irish fought back to draw.
Ireland took the l ead towards the end of the first quarter.
However, Scotland stuck to their task magnificently to equalise two minutes before half-time through Kenny Bain, whose shot was deflected high into the net.
The Hurley striker was again on target three minutes into the second half to give the Scots a 2-1 lead when he was on hand to net the rebound from a penalty corner, reacting quickly to net.
Craig Falconer (Reading) extended Scotland’s lead early in the fourth quarter opening up the realistic prospect of a win for Scotland.
Cammy Golden (Grove Menzieshill) had come close to extending Scotland’s l ead before Falconer’s goal.
Golden then came close to making it four for Scotland soon after, his powerful shot being well saved by the Irish keeper.
However, in a tense last five minutes, Ireland netted twice to gain a draw, the equaliser coming from the penalty spot on referral to the video umpire.
Scotland face Holland in the concluding Pool B match today, immediately after Ireland have played Germany.
The result may be irrelevant as Scotland and Ireland will carry forward their 3-3 draw into the relegation pool.
However, the experience in preparation for their two remaining matches against the third and fourth teams in Pool A on Thursday and Saturday will be vitally important.
England’s 2-0 l oss to Belgium leaves them on one point with Wales after their draw.
England must now beat Spain, who have three points, today to claim a place in the semis.
Belgium must be strong favourites to beat Wales and move into the semis with a 100% record.
Holland’s 3-2 win over Germany clinched a semi place. They need only a draw against Scotland today to clinch top place in Pool B with Germany in second.