Hockey: Scots target top spot ahead of Italy clash

Published on 18/08/2012 03:58

It has been mission accomplished so far for Scotland women’s coach Gordon Shepherd, his side having gained a perfect record after three pool matches in the first round of the World League in Prague.

The top four advance but Shepherd wants to finish top of the pile. “I am obviously delighted with the three wins. although the performances have been mixed” said the coach after Thursday’s 2-1 victory against Belarus.

Next up today is Italy who top the pool at the moment on the same points as the Scots but with a superior goal difference. The Italians, however, have a difficult closing programme against Scotland and Belarus and although Shepherd’s charges beat Italy 5-1 in a pre-tournament friendly, the Scotland coach is taking nothing for granted.

“Italy will be a tough game, they have also won their three opening games and played in the A division of the Europeans last summer. But we will be able to be more expansive in our game due to their style,” Shepherd said.

A win against Italy would almost certainly assure the Scots of top spot with their last game tomorrow against France who have lost all three of their games so far, and conceded 20 goals.