Australia show their class against Scotland

Scotland rounded off their Pool A campaign in the Men’s Hockey competition today, performing admirably in a 5-0 defeat to World Champions and Gold Medal favourites Australia.

Two goals from Matt Gohdes, together with strikes from Chris Ciriello, Kieran Govers and Jacob Whetton ensured a comfortable win for the Aussies, who have qualified for the semi-finals with a 100% win record.

Scotland goalkeeper Jamie Cachia was the home side’s star performer, making a number of crucial saves.

Scotland v Australia men

(Australia’s Daniel Beale advances on the Scottish goal. Photo Credit: Ady Kerry)

Following the match, Scotland Head Coach Derek Forsyth said, “The boys did as well as expected, you are talking about the top team, and we caused them a few problems.

“They took us on a bit more towards the end, it’s hard enough playing the world champions with 16 players let alone 14 at the end of that game, which is pretty tough on the lads. But the important thing now is we recover well and prepare for tomorrow’s game.

“We played Malaysia in a warm up match and had a good result against them but this time it will be a totally different game tomorrow night. They may feel like they have had a disappointing tournament but we need to make sure we get out there and finish seventh.”

Scotland striker Kenny Bain added, “It’s amazing to play against these guys. To be honest we are just as capable to play hockey with them but they are ruthless in everything they do and taught us a lesson.

“We gave it a go today and worked our socks off to get a result against them and the team will be pretty happy how we performed against them.

“It’s all about performance, not results, especially in these sort of games. Go out have fun and enjoy that crowd which we did. We can’t fault them as they have been the 12th man again and really pushed us on.

“It is such a great experience, playing in my second Commonwealth Games and a home one too, it’s unbelievable seeing my pals from Holland who have travelled over. It was so good to see them screaming us on today.

“Glasgow 2014 has been fantastic, our bodies are starting to kill now as we lost a few boys in that match [to injury] but we just need to prepare and get ready for tomorrow and play our hearts out for that crowd.

“Everyone the crowd was backing us, I am so proud to play in front of them, and I hope I gave them a good show. The tempo was a lot higher today and hope that once we look back at the video footage we can see where we need to improve and get a few goals tomorrow against Malaysia.”

The home side were under pressure early in proceedings, Jamie Cachia called upon to make an important save from Eddie Ockenden’s shot after good Australian build-up play on the right flank.

Simon Ochard was allowed to run three quarters of the length of the pitch, his clever ball penetrating the Scottish defence, but Cachia was alert to the presence of danger, smothering the ball wide to safety.

After excellent attacking play from both Keil Brown and Jocab Whetton, Scotland midfielder Nick Parkes made a timely block with his stick to prevent Matt Gohdes’ low drive reaching the target.

Despite a dogged defensive display from the Scots, Australia eventually broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. A penalty corner was awarded for dangerous play and Chris Ciriello took full advantage of the opportunity, dispatching a shot into the bottom right corner of the goal to make it 1-0.

Four minutes later, the World Champions doubled their lead, Parkes being robbed by Whetton to play in Gohdes, who cut inside to send a reverse stick shot past Cachia.

The game was wrapped up by the Aussies shortly after; Fergus Kavanagh’s fierce drag-flick was well blocked by Cachia but Gohdes was first to react, beating home the resulting rebound to extend the lead to 3-0.

Kieran Govers had a penalty corner attempt saved by Cachia right on the half-time hooter.

Three minutes after the re-start, Scotland found themselves four goals down, Govers making it count with a lofted shot after receiving a pass from Aran Zalewski.

The Aussies rounded off the scoring in the 43rd minute, Whetto driving to the baseline and his cut-back being deflected off William Marshall into the goal for 5-0.

Cachia denied further goal-scoring efforts from Orchard and two Cirello penalty corner drag-flicks in quick succession, before Alan Forsyth fashioned the home side’s clearest goal-scoring opportunity in the 51st minute, edging himself along the baseline but no-one could get on the end of his cross.

Cachia again saved Scotland to deny Govers and Trent Mitton before the full-time whistle.

The Scots now advance to the 7th/8th classification match against Malaysia tomorrow evening (20.15), when a win would ensure Derek Forsyth’s side reach their pre-Games target.

Team Scotland: Jamie Cachia, Gareth Hall, David Forsyth, Nick Parkes, Michael Bremner, Dan Coultas, Alan Forysth, Chris Grassick (c), Ian Moodie, Gordon McIntyre, Ross Stott, Chris Nelson, Kenny Bain, William Marshall, Iain Scholefield, Niall Stott.

Please visit Glasgow 2014 Hockey Competition for all fixtures, results and pool standings.

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