The Scots looked dead and buried in the official test match against France in Paris – two goals down with six minutes left – but strength of character won out and the young Scotland side emerged with a 2-2 draw in the end. Great effort!
The first half ended goalless but there were highlights. Keeper Amber Murray made several crucial saves and at the other end Jika Nyirenda saw her clever deflection drift just wide of the target.
As in the first game the third quarter proved costly – and all in the opening two minutes. A tackle donated the French a penalty and Eve Verzura converted, although Murray almost got to it.
Then almost immediately Philippine Delemazure added a second – and the pressure was now on the Scots.
And they responded in style in the final quarter with several penalty corner opportunities.
Then, with eleven minutes left, coach Chris Duncan took the gamble of replacing his keeper with an additional outfield player – so often this tactic fails… but this time it worked!
in 54 minutes a 40 yard pass from Katie Birch found Fran Lonergan at the top of the circle, the Wildcats` striker turned to shrug off her marker and fired a powerful strike into the net to reduce the deficit.
However, it seemed too little too late but with just over a minute left, this time it was a 30 yard pass from Jen Eadie that found Sarah Jamieson who calmly sent a reverse stick shot under the keeper for the equaliser and a share of the points.
This is what coach Chris Duncan had to say on the events; “Having gone two nil down, I am immensely proud of the players and staff for how we turned the momentum and fought back. The pride and passion on display was exceptional and we completely turned the game to get back on top and score twice.”
“Some of the hockey we played in the final 25 minutes was exactly how we want to play the game, with flair in our attack and energy in our defence.”
“We have a young and rapidly developing group, and this is another experience that will stand them in good stead for the future.”
The Scots play the final game of the series on Sunday.
