SCOTLAND LADIES IN NARROW LOSS TO ENGLAND
Posted by on 14 July 2014
NARROW LOSS FOR THE SCOTS AGAINST ENGLAND
12 July 2014
Scotland faced a narrow defeat of 2-1 to England this evening in the Investec London Cup.
Both sides opened the game very cautiously with a lot of turn over play in the middle of the pitch. Scotland looked nervous but after an England goal from Alex Danson Scotland turned it on and started attack the English defence but couldn’t quite get the finish.
The second half started with a bang as England netted their second by Watton tapping it in at the far post. This didn’t stop Scotland though, they worked harder and were soon dominating play with some fab skill from Beck Ward down the wing. Scotland pressed and soon they were rewarded for their hard work with a penalty corner, a standard Nikki Kidd drag flick secured the Scots their first goal. This put England on the back foot and with Vikki Bunce intercepting as many England passes as she could Scotland pressed on but were unfortunate not to get an equaliser.
(Morag McLellan & Becky Ward putting in the strong performance today against England. Photo by Ady Kerry)
Goal scorer Nikki Kidd is really pleased how the tournament is preparing them for Glasgow 2014;
‘We came here looking for performances and looking to improve and bring everything together for the CWG, we’ve done well and worked hard and it’s all starting to come together. We’ve had bits of good hockey and bits that we need to improve in this competition and we’re definitely heading in the right direction. We want to peak at the Commonwealth Games. We are focused on the process and working together and it’ll be great to pick up results in Glasgow. The things we’ve done well and the learning points we’ve picked up here should stand us in good stead come Glasgow and we’re looking forward to it.’
Gordon Shepherd the head coach of the womens squad was over the moon how his team have performed.
‘It was a brilliant performance today and very happy. We were a little bit nervous and hesitant in the first half but from the point that they scored I am very happy how the girls took the game to England. The girls proved to themselves that they have nothing to fear and I am confident when we get to the Commonwealth Games and off the back of that result it will be a different score line in a few weeks’ time.’
Congratulations to Nicky Skrastin who got her 50th cap for Scotland today.
Catch all the highlights of the game on the England Hockey TV you tube channel.
