Hockey Scotland Women v Ireland Women, November Test Series

Scotland trip over the first hurdle in November Series

Scotland`s women went down 2-0 to Ireland in the first of three test matches to be played in Glasgow as part of both teams’ preparation for International tournaments early next year.

There was little between the teams in terms of possession and balance of play, but Ireland`s opportunism in the circle provided the two goals that were to divide the sides in the end.

Playing under fairly feeble lights, the Scots were almost donated a goal in the opening minutes but neither Amy Brodie nor Becky Merchant, both from Edinburgh University, were able to take advantage.

The first half was fairly evenly matched, but Ireland always looked the more dangerous going forward, with captain Kathryn Mullan and Emma Russell both scoring from open play when the Scottish defence had failed to clear their lines.

The Scots had their opportunities, Nikki Lloyd failing to test the goalkeeper at a penalty corner routine. Merchant then had a chance just before the interval, but Ireland’s keeper slid into the ball first to clear.

The Scots opened the second half the stronger and chances fell to Jen Eadie and Merchant but the Irish goalkeeper was equal to the task.

Early on in the half, ‘Olympic’ Umpire, Sarah Wilson, stopped play to ‘advise’ that she was becoming somewhat irritated by the continual decision questioning and threatened to card the captains. As things stood, she eventually green carded four or five players during the match for a variety of offences.

As the match progressed, the Irish began to dominate, and in  the latter stages, won four penalty corners, but failed to convert and add to their tally.

Near the end Scotland’s Brodie waltzed past three defenders but her eventual shot on goal was ineffectual and the umpire blew for time.

Images from the match will appear here over the next few days