Azerbaijan 3-1 Scotland

Bad news.

Scotland failed to secure their A division spot for 2011.

A very disappointing end to the tournament. The whole squad have trained very hard over a long period to get to this tournament and to come away with nothing is not only disappointing, but very hard to believe.

As a squad we'd like to thank the support of parents, friends and family not only during the tournament, but the long build up too. It is much appreciated.

Until the next time...

Russia 1-1 Scotland

In the first of their relegation pool games against Russia, Scotland started again brightly and opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes from a short corner. Beautifully finished by captain Linda Clement.

Scotland remained in control of the game for the rest of the half but yet again failed to convert their chances from both short corners and open play.

Into the second half Scotland continued to pressurise the Russian side and won more short corners, but still failed to convert. Russia eventually broke down the pitch to win a short corner from which they scored the equaliser.

As the game went on Scotland pressed the Russian defence creating more chances and winning yet more short corners - some of which went flying past the post.

With 5 minutes left on the clock Cat Forrest received a yellow card for a dubious tackle as the Russians advanced down the pitch.

So yet again Scotland are playing for survival, this time in the A division elite of Europe. A win against Azerbaijan on Saturday will secure Scotland's place in 2 years time.

Watch this space....!

Germany 4-0 Scotland

Scotland put in their best perfomance so far against the current European Champions this afternoon. We started the game well, but unfortunately succumbed to the German pressure early on and conceded a short corner which they executed well to go 1-0 ahead. It was still 1-0 at half time which we were pretty happy with.

We again started the second half well with energy, but again the German pressure brought about another short corner which drag flick specialist, and captain, Fanny Rinne slotted in the bottom corner.

Scotland had their share of pressure in the second half and failed to convert their only short corner of the match.

As time went on the Germans kept pressing and eventually scored another 2 in the last 10 minutes.

A good performance by Scotland against a very well organised German side who are ranked 3 in the world.

Scotland now go into the relegation pool along with Ireland from the same group and Russia and Azerbaijan from the other group. We now play Russia on Thursday - a game we are confident of getting a result from.

Ireland 0-0 Scotland

Scotland started the game brilliantly- a much improved start from the day before against Spain winning a short corner within the first 5 minutes. Unable to convert.

Throughout the first half Scotland dominated and won several short corners but were unable to convert each time.

In the second half we again started well, but didn't manage to create as many chances as in the first half. It was a frustrating display as we were unable to capitalise on any pressure.

A game which perhaps should've been won in the first half.

The other game in our group ended Germany 2-1 Spain.

We now play Germany on Tuesday 1530 hours - Eurosport 2 at 1430 hours (GMT)

JB

Spain 3-1 Scotland

Spain 3-1 Scotland (Holly Cram)

Scotland were down 2-0 at half time after a shakey start to the EuroHockey Nations in Amsterdam. Nerves were evident as Scotland struggled to string passes together. The 2nd half was a much improved performance with a goal in the first few minutes of the half. Unfortunately we were unable to capitalise on the pressure we created and Spain then scored another goal from a short corner.

We are very disappointed to lose our opening game, but we're focusing on our next game against Ireland (Sunday 0930 hrs) which is now even more important - a must win!!

The other game in our group ended Germany 7-0 Ireland.

JB

EuroHockey Nations, Amsterdam 2009

Goede Dag Iedereen!

We have arrived in Amsterdam for the EuroHockey Nations 2009.

Laura, Emily and myself arrived on Tuesday with half of the squad and the rest arrived Wednesday. We have had a couple of training sessions and a game last night in Den Haag against a club side (KZ which Cat Forrest played for last season).

We can't wait to get started now - first game tomorrow (Saturday) against the Spanish at 0930 hours. Ouch!

I've heard a rumour we might be on Eurosport 2, but not too sure...

Will be back with our score tomorrow avo.

JB