Scots perfect in pool

Scotland’s under-18 teams completed their pool matches in the EuroHockey Championship II with a 100% record with a narrow win over Ukraine and so will face Poland, runners up in Pool B, in the semi-final today, writes our men’s hockey correspondent.

Grove Menzieshill’s Aidan McQuade gave the Scots a well merited early lead but Ukraine, who had only one draw to show from their first two games, grabbed a surprise equaliser.

Scotland struck back in the last two minutes of the first half with two goals by Alan Johnston, but the architect of both goals was Cameron Golden, also of Grove Menzieshill, who showed tactical awareness beyond his years in making himself available to receive a telling pass and creating space with superb close stick work in a crowded circle on both occasions.

Needing only a point to clinch first place, Scotland should have been on easy street in the second half but lapses in concentration almost cost them dear.

Ukraine opened up the Scottish defence twice in two minutes to draw level. Scotland soon retook the lead through captain James Nairn, but Ukraine again equalised with 10 minutes remaining.

Owen Jenkins-Garcia restored Scotland’s lead within a minute and this time the Scots held on for a 5-4 victory.

Austria won Pool B and will face France in the other semi-final.

The final and third-place match are tomorrow.