Mixed day in Alanya as Watsonians win again but Clydesdale Western suffer defeat

WATSONIANS 3 AHTC WIEN (AUSTRIA) 0

Watsonians have qualified for the promotion semi-finals with a pool match still to play after a 3-0 win over Austrian side AHTC Wien. The Scottish champions top the pool on goal difference from SK Slavia Prague, and only need a draw from today’s (Sunday) head to head against the Czechs to top the pool and on paper have an easier semi-final draw.

Once again the Scottish champions, on their European debut, took their time to settle and it was goalless at the interval. The deadlock was finally broken in the third quarter, Sarah Jamieson drove into the circle, picked out Katie MacCallum who calmly finished off the move.

The result was finally sealed in the final quarter with two goals in as many minutes. A surging run from Katie Crawford down the right hand side opened up the chance, she fired the ball across to MacCallum who turned her defender and found the net with a diving backhand finish. Just after Emily Dark added a third with a low drag flick into the corner of the net.

Watsonians` coach Keith Smith said: “Yes, it was always difficult to match the level of yesterday`s performance because we had played so well, but it was certainly so pleasing to see how dominant we were today, and how we controlled the game throughout, we limited them to one circle possession, and created a host of chances at the other end. On another day we could easily have scored three or four more.

“Wien were content to sit really deep when defending and try to frustrate us, and they definitely managed that in the first half but the girls adapted to the challenge and were patient and flexible in their approach which was very positive.”

 

CLYDESDALE WESTERN 0 GAZIANTEP POLISGUCU (TURKEY) 1

Clydesdale Western went down 1-0 to host side Gaziantep Polisgucu in their second pool match, but still retain second spot. The issue is simple for Clydesdale, they must beat Siauliai from Lithuania today (Sunday) to guarantee a place in the promotion semi-finals on Monday.

Saturday’s encounter had all hallmarks of a 0-0 draw until the final nine minutes when Emine Celik scored for the Turks at a penalty corner and that was the only goal of the game.

Of the game, Clydesdale Western coach Wendy Justice said: “It was a hard competitive game which could absolutely have gone either way. The difference was as close as the width of a post.”

Wendy added on the crucial final quarter. “We deflect a corner which rebounds back of the post and is scrambled clear, only for them to respond with an attacking corner of their own. A drag flick which is saved by Cara McAlister, palming it high and left, but which is pounced on by the in-rushing injector, who converts clinically off a volley.

“The squad is disappointed but not despondent. All still to play for.”

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