Hockey: Canada justify world ranking by levelling series with Scotland

Canada justified their world number ten ranking with a 3-2 win over Scotland at Peffermill to square the Test match series with the decider to be played today.

The Scots went behind in 11 minutes when Adam MacKenzie foolishly gave away a penalty corner and the grateful Canadians slammed the ball past Mark Fulton in the Scottish goal.

Although Canada had most of the possession, Scotland equalised just before the interval when Friday's hero Daniel Coultas, in only his second international, slammed a low flick home at Scotland's second penalty corner.

The Scots were not switched on after the interval and went 2-1 behind when the defence failed to clear the danger.

Midway through the half a telling run by Fergus Dunn opened up the Canadian defence, but Cammie Fraser's shot was well saved by the keeper. The equaliser was only delayed a few minutes until Willie Marshall's set-piece shot was blocked by the keeper and Michael Christie followed up to fire the rebound home.

The Canadians were not to be denied their final victory, however, with an unstoppable strike past Fulton with only four minutes left.

Scotland's under-21 side beat Canada 2-1 in their first Test match, a win that was much more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.

After early pressure the Scots youngsters took the lead in 17 minutes when a cross from Chris Duncan was deflected past the keeper by Ross Glashen.

After the interval the Scots continued to dominate but wasted three penalty corners when Alan Forsyth shot wide, Fraser Sands' effort was saved by the keeper and David Patterson saw his shot deflected wide by a defender.

But at the fourth set piece Sands' fierce shot went in off the keeper for Scotland's second goal. As the home side were playing out time, Andrew Malcolm was caught in possession and allowed the Canadians to sneak a late consolation.

Meanwhile, in Rome, Western Wildcats, who had travelled to Italy with medal hopes, had to beat Czech side TJ Pilsen Litice 3-1 to avoid taking home the wooden spoon in the final day of the European Club Trophy.

Joe Simpson, back from his one match suspension following a red card, opened the scoring for the Wildcats in the opening minute, and this was followed by a second from Peter Martin, although two minutes later the Czechs pulled one back following a penalty corner.

The result was sealed when Vishal Marwaha set up the opportunity and left Scott McCartney with an easy finish to avoid last place.

In the European Club Trophy in Dublin, Grove Menzieshill managed to see off the Belarus side Victorya Smolevichi 3-2, but the result was not sufficient to prevent the Taysiders taking only second place in the pool.

The score was tied at 1-1 at the interval, Linda Clement finding the net. The Dundonians looked more dangerous after the interval and took the five points with strikes from Daniele Johnston and Louise Baxter. Today, Grove will play-off for the bronze medal.