Alan Forsyth (left) in action for Scotland. Picture Nigel Duncan Media

Scotland relied on a razor-sharp goalkeeper and slick finishing to claim the scalp of France, the highest-ranked team, in their opening game of the EuroHockey Championship II in Glasgow.

Ice cool Tommy Alexander showed he was in the groove early, denying France a goal with a save from point-blank range, but the visitors kept on coming.

Scotland settled into the match in the second quarter with former Kelburne team-mates Alan Forsyth and Kenny Bain combining well.

France, however, continued to look dangerous and Alexander made another quality stop following a penalty corner award.

However,, it was Scotland who opened the scoring. Edinburgh University star Jamie Wong took the ball wide on the right and fizzed it into the D for Dutch-based Bain to deflect it into the net.

French continued to pressure but failed to count and Scotland hit them on the break,

Quicksilver Lee Morton opened up the French defence and the ball found its way to Surbiton striker Alan Forsyth who finished from close range.

France refused to give up and Alexander had to make another quality stop, this time at the top left-hand corner.

And the in-form goalkeeper denied France again from a penalty flick.

He was eventually beaten when Simon Martin-Brisac converted and that set-up a nervy last few minutes but Scotland held out for a 2-1 win.

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