Scotland U18 Girls reach EuroHockey Championship II Final

Scotland U18 girls’ beat Austria 2-1 in the U18 Girls’ EuroHockey Championship II semi-final to book a place in tomorrow’s final, and secure promotion to the top level of European hockey.

It was a quick and confident start to the game for Scotland as they enjoyed possession in the early stages set about probing the Austrian D. They were denied an early lead in the opening quarter by some good goalkeeping from a penalty corner to deny the threat of Emily Dark.

The opening quarter also saw two penalty corners go the way of Austria and both were well defended by the Scots defence to keep the score level.

In the second quarter another penalty corner for the Scots went just wide of the left post after a nicely orchestrated routine to the right of the goal to set up the strike.

Scotland’s pressure and penalty corner opportunities would soon be rewarded with a goal. Margery Justice injected to the top of the D and the ball was returned to Justice who squeezed the ball home at the near post to make it 1-0.

Scotland U18 Girls reach EuroHockey Championship II Final

The goal spurred Scotland on further and were looking very dangerous every time they took the ball toward the Austrian goal, but had to settle with just a one goal lead at half time.

In the second half Scotland came out flying and Georgia Jones doubled their lead within five minutes of the restart to put some breathing space between the teams.

As the second half progressed the Scots carved open chance-after-chance with Dark, Lexi Sabatelli and Ellie Wilson all denied a third goal for Scotland.

With two minutes remaining Austria took advantage of Scotland losing a player to a yellow card when Johanna Czech scored from close range into the bottom left corner.

The goal prompted Sabatelli to tear forward but was denied a goal when the goalkeeper was out quick to clear.

The contest came to a close with Scotland the victors; the win earned qualification for Scotland to the top division of U18 girls’ European hockey, and also secured a place in the final to play against either Czech Republic or Russia.

Scotland U18 Girls’ Head Coach Keith Smith said, “I’m absolutely delighted – we did it in style. It was a very mature performance and we bossed the game from start to finish. We were very patient and composed and the Austrians couldn’t live with our tempo. We had to wait for our chances, but we took them when they came.

“The players are really happy; they’re very competitive and want to win the final. They can play with no pressure and really enjoy the final. It’s been a fantastic week for them.

“I also want to give a mention to Kirsten Cannon. Kirsten has been great all tournament and showed tremendous bravery today after taking a knock to the face. The girls’ wanted to win for Kirsten; thankfully she’s fine and is already back pitch side desperate to play in tomorrow’s final. It will be a great occasion for all the squad.”

Inspired by Scotland U18 Girls’ team? Find a club near you HERE

 

 

 

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