Scotland struggle at Invercargill

from Patrick Rowley in Invercargill (8.11.2009)

Scotland lost 2-1 to China in the opening match at the men’s World Cup Qualifier in Invercargill.

In gale force winds, they missed a great chance to defeat a team ranked way above them.

Great Britain forward Stephen Dick gave them the lead in their first attack after less than four minutes. He smartly deflected in a cross from the right wing.

Gavin Byers should have made it 2-0 but shot straight at the goalkeeper when given a free shot.

It was a day for no nonsense hockey – quite bitter from a fierce Southerly gale.

Scotland did a good job, often dispossessing the more skilful Chinese.

China who arrived just 24 hours before the game, were below par but eventually levelled from a 45th minute corner by Yixian Liu. It was their third corner of the match and second half. They had gone close from the previous corner.

Scotland, playing solidly, made enough chances after that to win.

On the hour John Harris set up Forsyth on the penalty spot but the ball “bumbled” as it reached him.

A minute later Scotland succumbed to a brilliantly taken goal by Yuba Na (61 mins).

Iain Scholfield broke through in a solo run but failed to finish. In the 68th minute Ralph sent a superb ball into the circle but no colleague reacted quick enough.

Wales were well beaten (6-2) by hosts and top seeds New Zealand. Trailing 3-0 at half time, Wales did pull back to 3-2, with two Rick Gay corner goals, but were generally out-classed.

The weather was better on day two with the sun out but still very blustery. There was a bigger crowd than the day before but not a lot of people.

Scotland came out with purpose and troubled the black sticks early on. Kenny Bain had a shot. A corner was won which was well defended by NZ.

However cracks appeared early in the Scottish defence and the NZ forwards were given too much room.

All New Zealand goals were field goals.

Nick Wilson who scored the last four was one of the two NZ players who went to Beijing as reserves.

The three first half goals were all as a result of inter-play in the Scottish circle. The third came directly after a Scottish attack broke down.
Hugo Inglis, scorer of the first goal, notched his first international goal in what was his second test.

At 8-0 Scotland did have a good chance but Ken Bain shot at goalkeeper. Then, in another attack, Alan Forsyth shot into side netting from an acute angle.

New Scottish coach Russell Garcia, the former Great Britain player, said after the match “ Very disappointed to concede eight goals.

We got smashed. New Zealand are a much stronger team than we are.”

He added “I was pleased with some aspects. Players did what was asked of them. We can learn from this get something out of it.”

Shane McLeod, the NZ coach, admitted to being “Really happy. We took a big step forward from the previous day. Our performance was much more polished.