Scotland U21 Men lose close contest away to England

Scotland U21 Men lost 3-1 to England in Loughborough in a very close and competitive second match of a three-game series. The Scots won the opening match 2-1 in a shootout after a 2-2 draw at full time, and the third and final match will be played on Sunday.

The game got off to a competitive start with both sides playing good hockey, but it was the home side who took the lead through an open play goal in the opening quarter.

Scotland’s good play was rewarded with an equaliser. Some intricate play on the left saw Keir Robb do well to create the opportunity for Sam Knight who finished clinically to equalise for Scotland.

After the restart England retook the lead by pouncing on another short corner rebound to make it 2-1.

England’s third came a short time later and it was another corner routine that found the net despite an effort on the line to block.

With five minutes to play the Scots were awarded a penalty stroke and Fraser Moran stepped up to take it, but he was denied by an excellent save to keep the score at 3-1, which was how it remained at full time.

After the game the teams played running penalties, which saw the Scots come out on top 4-3 with Henry Saxby in goal.

Scotland U21 Men Head Coach Rhett Halkett said, “It was a really competitive game, and we created some excellent chances, but we made some errors with decision making and England took their chances – that was the difference today.

“It was a really even game and I’m proud of the players; they’re trying different things and playing some excellent hockey. It’s all to play for in the third match.”

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