Scotland Men defeated hosts Italy in the EuroHockey Championship quailifers final in Rome, having already secured qualification to the 2027 EuroHockey Championships in London thanks to a 6-4 victory over Croatia earlier in the tournament.
Sunday’s final presented an opportunity to finish with an unblemished record after a 6-1 win over Turkiye with goals from Andrew McConnell, Jamie Golden, Cammy Golden, Keir Robb and Jamie Green.
Edinburgh-based interim coach, Neil Alan, then guided his men to a 6-4 success against Croatia, Jamie Golden firing a glory treble and there were singles from Struan Walker, his brother, Cammy Golden and Tommy Orr.
Scotland controlled much of the possession in the first quarter and the pressure was rewarded after eight minutes in when they earned the first penalty corner of the match.
Jamie Golden stepped up and unleashed a powerful drag flick that flew into the net to give Scotland a deserved 1-0 lead.
Italy responded and claimed an equaliser three minutes later when Claudio Brocco scored to make it 1-1 but Scotland continued to threaten in attack.
The second quarter remained fiercely competitive with both teams creating numerous attacking opportunities, however, neither team was able to convert, and the sides headed into the half-time break locked at 1-1.
Scotland regained the lead three minutes into the third quarter, Lee Morton delivering a ball into the circle and Struan Walker applied the finishing touch.
The Scots struck again a minute later when Cammy Golden reacted to a rebound, firing the ball into the net to extend the lead to 3-1.
Then, the Blue Sticks produced a superb defensive display in the last quarter, denying the hosts to secure a 3-1 victory, and Scotland now look ahead to competing at the 2027 EuroHockey Championships in London next summer.
CELEBRATIONS: Scotland’s men and their fans celebrate their success in Rome. Picture courtesy of EuroHockey
