Scotland women won their first game of the EuroHockey Championship in Monchengladbach, Germany, with a 3-2 victory over Ireland.
The opening quarter was very even with both sides testing the waters in the heat of Monchengladbach, but the longer the game went on the positivity of the Scots saw them dominate. There would be no goals, however.
After half time Ireland eventually broke the deadlock. A foul in the circle led to a penalty stroke and Roisin Upton found the top left corner for 1-0.
Scotland enjoyed lots of possession and pressed Ireland back, eventually the pressure paid off.
Another penalty stroke was awarded and this time it went to Scotland. Charlotte Watson stepped up and found the bottom left corner to make it 1-1.
Ireland retook the lead soon after the Scotland strike. A defence splitting pass by Upton found Kathryn Mullen who smashed the ball into the bottom left corner for 2-1.
The goals kept coming and this time it was Scotland who found the net through a delightful Amy Costello penalty corner into the bottom right corner. 2-2.
Heather McEwan then put Scotland in front when a rebound off the post bounced off the goalkeeper and into the path of McEwan who prodded home for 3-2.
Ireland went on the hunt for a late equaliser but Scotland managed the game well and took the victory.
Player of the Match Eve Pearson said, “We’re delighted, we worked hard and felt we could win right from the start. We deserved it. Ireland are brilliant, they have got the better of us in the past, so we’re delighted to win.
“It was a professional performance, we were clinical today which we lacked in other games, so it’s great to get the win.”
