Hockey: Forsyth's double defeats Poles to put Scotland top

The last time Scotland beat Poland was back in 2002 in Poznan, but a double from Glynhill Kelburne striker Alan Forsyth ensured the hoodoo was finally put to rest in yesterday's 2-1 victory in the third pool match of the INSEP Hockey Challenge in Paris.

The Scots now share top spot in the group with Malaysia but the Asians have played a game fewer.

Much against the run of play, the Poles took the lead in 15 minutes following a miss-trap by the Scottish defence and the grateful Polish forward took full advantage to give his side a surprise 1-0 lead.

But, a minute from the interval, the Scots were back on level terms. A move up the right involving Gavin Byers, Vishal Marwaha and Russell Anderson saw the latter cross the ball to Forsyth, who calmly lifted the ball over the pads of the advancing keeper.

"This game was an encouraging development, we played well and created a lot of chances. Given the fact that this is only the Commonwealth Games squad's third game together, it showed significance progress for Delhi," said Eugene Connolly, Scotland's manager.

Meanwhile, Scotland's under-18 boys beat Switzerland 2-0 yesterday in the opening encounter of the three-match series. Hillhead's Tom Kemsley put the young Scots in front two minutes before the interval and Greaves Clydesdale's Scott Lindsay sealed the victory.