Survival achieved by Scots
20 January 2012
EUROPEAN INDOOR NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIPS (WOMEN) - SLAGELSE (DENMARK) - 20 -22 JANUARY 2012
SCOTLAND 3 SLOVAKIA 2
Two goals from Susan McGilveray was the catalyst in Scotland`s fighting 3-2 win over Slovakia in the relegation pool match at the European Indoor Nations Championships in Slagelse. This result ensures the Scots survival, they top the pool with six points with rivals Denmark and Slovakia, both on three points, due to play each other tomorrow, and both are unable to reach the Scots total.
McGilveray put her side ahead in only three minutes, Becky Ward progressed up the boards, she passed the ball on to Kareena Marshall whose cross was finished off by the Milne Craig Western player. Marshall then performed miracles at the other end, she produced a brilliant goal-line save to thwart a Slovakian penalty corner attempt. However, the equaliser was only delayed as Slovakia drew level with a direct strike past Amy Gibson from another set piece.
Good work up the left by Kidd created the opening in 12 minutes, leaving Nikki Lloyd with the simple task of putting the ball past the Slovak keeper for 2-1. But just on the interval, Slovakia equalised for the second time with another penalty corner goal.
The second half was a feisty affair with some robust tackles from the Eastern Europeans, yet it was the Scots who created the chances through Kidd, Lloyd, Amy Brodie and Morag McLellan, but to no effect. That is until five minutes from the end, Ward intercepted a Slovakian pass, drove up the court only to be fouled. The VWS Dundee Wanderers player had the presence of mind to take a quick free hit, passed the ball on to McGilveray who beat the keeper at the near post for the winner.
The Scots play bottom side Russia tomorrow, and should win, but it will not affect Gordon Shepherd`s charges survival.
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