Scots climb to top with victory over Gibraltar

Scotland returned to the top of the table in the first round of the Hockey Series Open in Lousada, Portugal with a comfortable 2-0 win over Gibraltar yesterday.

With Russia and Belarus drawing 2-2 in an earlier game, the Scots have opened up a two-point lead over their eastern European rivals.

Any nerves were settled with the opening goal in only three minutes. A cross from the right found Cameron Golden, who sent a looping deflection over the keeper into the roof of the net for his fourth goal of the tournament.

The second quarter produced three clear chances for Scotland to increase their lead. The first came from a penalty corner after Golden had been tripped but Willie Marshall’s flick was blocked by the keeper. Then a long ball into the circle was just missed by Rob Harwood at the far post. Golden came close to doubling the tally but his effort from close range was saved by the keeper.

By the interval the singlegoal lead certainly did not reflect Scotland’s dominance of play, with keeper Tommy Alexander left as a total spectator.

The Scots were unlucky early in the second half when Marshall’s flick at a penalty corner was brilliantly taken off the line by a defender. However, the second goal was delayed only a few seconds. A move involving several players opened up the Gibraltar defence, the resulting cross was missed by Robbie Shepherdson but not by a diving Harwood who diverted the ball into the net.

At the start of the fourth quarter Golden had another chance to add to his tally as the Menzieshill striker broke free into the circle only for his powerful low shot to flash wide of the target. The Scots had further opportunities at penalty corners but both Tim Atkins and Kyle White were unable to breach the Gibraltar defence.

Scotland’s next match is against Russia and a victory would assure Derek Forsyth’s youngsters of a place in round two of the competition.