Brown’s double in vain as Italy hold on for narrow win to level series

Scotland were blown away by three goals in 12 first-half minutes as they lost 3-2 to Italy at blustery Glasgow Green yesterday, writes Craig Madden.

A late double by Millie Brown provided a hint of a comeback but the Italians levelled the Test series at 1-1 with the deciding match this evening at the same venue.

The Scots had a couple of early chances but Hanna Mckie and Kaz Marshall at a penalty corner failed to trouble the Italian keeper. The opening goal came when Maria Socino powered a low shot past Lucy Camlin in the home goal. Then, after Fiona Burnet had missed a couple of opportunities to level,the Italians struck twice inside a minute. Lara Oviedo was left with a simple tap-in at a set piece and Sofia Maldonadofoundthenetfrom open play.

The Scots got back into it when Mckie won a penalty corner and Bex Condie swept the ball goalwards for Brown to guide it into the net.

The Clydesdale Western striker then scored with a fierce low reverse-stick shot to make it 3-2 and Neil Menzies’ side pressed for an equaliser.

A good Brown run ended with a weak shot and a Condie penalty corner shot hit the post but the Italians held on for a narrow win.