Heather McEwan poked the ball home from close range as Scotland bounced back from an earlier setback to secure a 3-2 victory over Ireland, ranked two places above them in the world, in the EuroHockey Championships in Germany.

The South African-born forward, who plays her hockey in Belgium, reacted quickly when a shot from the top of the circle from Ellie Mackenzie (Surbiton) crashed off the left-hand post and hit the back of Elizabeth Murphy, the Irish goalkeeper.

The ball spun across the goal and McEwan was there to make sure and send the Scottish fans in the stands wild.

The victory was no more than Scotland, ranked No 15 in the world, Ireland are No 13, deserved. They pressed from the start and sustained that despite the searing heat in Munchengladbach.

Ireland have dominated the Tartan Hearts in recent internationals, but Eve Pearson (Bowdon), Scotland’s woman of the match, felt the narrow victory was deserved and she added: “We have proved we can compete with teams above us in the world.”

Earlier, the teams were deadlocked at the half-time break, but Roisin Upton slotted following a penalty stroke award after 35 minutes.

Coach Chris Duncan’s side did not let their heads drop, and they continued to drive forward looking to level.

A penalty stroke was awarded for a heavy challenge in the circle with 11 minutes remaining.

Dundee-born Olympian Charlotte Watson (Beeston) cooly slotted into the bottom left hand corner and Scotland were on a charge.

Ireland, however, broke and Kathryn Mullan was left unmarked on the right side of the circle.

She lashed the ball into the net despite Scotland goalkeeper, Jessica Buchanan (Wimbledon), trying to deflect it with her right boot.

Back came Scotland, and a minute later they forced a penalty corner, their seventh in the match. Ireland did not register one.

Edinburgh-raised Amy Costello (Surbiton), a Paris Olympian, slotted with a deft flick which deceived the Irish goalkeeper to level and Scotland powered forward.

Mackenzie’s brave run down the centre and then her shot which came off the goalkeeper’s left hand post set up the chance and McEwan gratefully accepted after 54 minutes.

Scotland then manged the game out for six tense minutes for a historic win and they move off the bottom of Pool B with their first victory of the star-studded tournament.

ON TARGET: Heather McEwan, Scotland’s late goal heroine in Germany. Picture courtesy of Scottish Hockey