Wales 1 Scotland 4

Wales 1 Scotland 4

Wales went down to a well drilled and organised Scotland side today in the opening match of the 2010 Junior Nations European championships in Vienna. Wales started with a bang with captain Nick Rees finishing off a smash and grab raid in the second minute following good work by midfielders Rob Mugridge and Nils Lloyd-Penny. Wales were on top of their game at this point and Scotland looked rattled but as the half wore on, Scotland dominated possession as Wales failed to keep hold of the ball and in the 19th minute following a loose pass in Scotland's final third saw John Harris run 40 metres to score a reverse stick shot past Adam Williams in the Wales goal. Williams made some fine saves in goal to keep the score at 1-1 at half time.

The second half saw Scotland increase the pressure on Wales and dominated possession for long periods. When Wales did get the ball, Scotland pressed hard and forced turnovers a plenty but resolute defending and team spirit kept the game even until the 55th minute when Scotland scored a penalty corner that was dispatched by Josh Cairns into the top right hand corner of the goal. Wales went further behind three minutes later as Scotland scored following another turnover by Wales as the ball was squared across the goal for John Harris to score his second goal. Wales kept pressing hard but despite a number of penalty corners failed to reduce the deficit and Scotland scored 4 when Alan Forsyth converted a penalty flick following a late penalty corner offence by Wales.

Plenty of spirit was shown by Wales but ultimately Scotland were the more composed side and showed the benefit of their extensive pre-tournament programme. Wales now face minnows Azerbaijan tomorrow to keep their hopes of a promotion spot alive.