Scotland

MIKE STANGER
THE Scotland men's good form continued at the European Nations Cup finals in Barcelona yesterday with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland, their third win in five games.

The Scots' first goal came in 16 minutes when Niall Stott dispossessed a defender and passed to Jonathan Christie, who netted his first goal of the tournament. The lead was short-lived, the Swiss equalising nine minutes later.

Scotland dominant the second half, creating many opportunities. After 43 minutes, cousins David and Mark Ralph combined to give the latter room to blast a reverse stick shot into the roof of the net.

The final goal came from a counter-attack in the last minute, Stott the provider with a square cross for Graham Moodie to finish.

"We were in control all the way, although we should have scored twice as many goals," said the team manager, Eugene Connolly. "Everyone is performing at a good level and we are feeling very comfortable."

England's 4-3 victory over Poland leaves Scotland in fourth place in the pool which means they face France in tomorrow's crossover game with the winner entering the fifth-place final.

In a match that had no real bearing on their final pool placing, Scotland's women rested captain Tracey Robb and Olympian Rhona Simpson and went down 3-1 against Azerbeijan.

Three first-half goals by the basement team were enough for victory, while a penalty corner conversion by Louise Carroll gave the Scots a consolation goal. "The result puts us back on our heels," said Mike Gilbert, the coach. "But we have a couple of days to get back on track."

Scotland finished in third place in the pool, but the defeat serves as a warning against complacency ahead of the crossover game on Thursday against Ukraine, who defeated Wales yesterday to take fourth place in the other pool.

Scotland's teams have now assured themselves of a top-eight finish. With the format of this competition being changed to a two-division event every other year, starting in 2005, this ensures a continuing place for Scotland among the elite of European hockey.

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