A tremendous 4-1 victory over Italy saw Scotland men claim the bronze medal at Men’s EuroHockey Championship II in Dublin. There were first goals for Scotland for Fraser Moran and Andrew Lochrin, alongside a double by Jamie Golden in the victory.
Scotland had the first opportunity of the match inside two minutes and an Alan Forsyth penalty corner was blocked as the Scots asked early questions.
As the quarter grew older, the weather had more of an impact, with howling winds and heavy rain; neither side were able to make many meaningful connections.
As the quarter reached a conclusion, Scotland had a half chance on a counter attack but the final effort zipped over the bar.
A good close range save by David Forrester early in the second quarter denied Italy the lead as they carved Scotland open down the right.
Forrester was called into action again a short time later when he saved an Italy shot on the reverse from a counter attack.
Then, with two minutes of the half remaining, Italy took the lead. A ball fired in from the right found Davide Arosio, who dove in to secure the finish for 1-0.
Five minutes into the second half and Scotland were back on level pegging. Fraser Moran went on a solo run down the left and finished it off with a goal, low to the far post, to equalise for Scotland. 1-1.
Soon, it was Scotland’s turn to go in front. Jamie Golden held off two defenders and scored through a low finish to put Scotland 2-1 ahead.
The final quarter was sticky, with Scotland edging the play, but met by a robust Italian defence.
Eventually the Scots found a way through, and it was Andrew Lochrin who swept the ball home to make it 3-1 to Scotland.
Italy pulled their goalkeeper with five minutes to play and were immediately caught, and punished, by Scotland. Lee Morton burst forward with the ball and picked out Golden to roll the ball into the empty net and make it 4-1.
Scotland eased through the final few minutes to enjoy the victory, and their first medal under new coach Jonny Caren.
Caren said, “I’m delighted for the team to have made the best out of the “next best” situation. We obviously wanted to be playing in the final today, and we know as a group where we fell short.
“It was bitter sweet to have put right the result against Italy that we should have got right in the group stages, but this is international hockey, and it is the journey we are on with this new Scottish group.
“What was special about this tournament, as a coach, was watching the development both as individuals and more importantly as a collective team.
“The guys have earned a well-deserved rest after an intense block, and we are looking forward to getting them back in, and setting our sights on the Euro A qualifiers.”
Scotland men 4-1 Italy men (F. Moran; J. Golden x2; A. Lochrin / D. Arosio)
