Hockey: Depleted Scots crash

Scotland's youngsters came down to earth with a bump when they went down 4-1 to Austria in the second pool match in the European under-18 Nations Championships in Cernusco, Italy.

The Scots had six players unavailable - two injured, three with sunstroke and Craig Falconer suspended after a red card against Italy. Durham's Blair Fotheringham, the first choice goalkeeper, had to play centre forward and scored Scotland's only goal. The Austrians controlled the first half and scored two goals from Bartosz Szmidt and Philip Schmidt. They moved into a four-goal lead midway through the second half through Szmidt again and Christoph Turek.

The Scots finally got a consolation with six minutes left. Riddell made the opening up the left, both Aidan Black and Craig Morton had their efforts saved by the goalkeeper and Fotheringham stroked the rebound home like a veteran striker.

The Scots now have to beat Ukraine tomorrow to secure a semi-final spot and retain their dream of promotion.