Hockey: Peterson shoots Scotland Under-18s into European final

Greaves Clydesdale striker Ben Peterson was the hero of the hour for Scotland's Under-18 side in the European Championships, when his goal gave them a well-earned 1-0 victory over Poland in a stormy semi-final.

The result has secured the Scots a place in today's final against either Austria or Switzerland plus promotion to Europe's top flight in two years' time. The Scots kept their cool against an indisciplined Polish side who picked two green cards along with four yellows during the contest in the Italian town of Cernusco.

There was a dramatic ending to the match when the Poles were awarded a final set piece in overtime, but the award was eventually overturned following consultation between the two umpires. That led to a fracas between the Polish players and the umpires, but it was the Scots who deservedly claimed the crucial promotion spot.

The Scots created the first opportunity but Corey Hastings' shot in the 15th minute was easily dealt with by the Polish goalkeeper. The Scots almost took the lead in the opening minutes of the second half, a cross from the right by Peterson was deflected goalwards by a diving Hastings but was easily blocked by a Polish defender on the line. The Poles then shot themselves in the foot by having three players sent to the sin bin in rapid succession, but the Scots failed to take advantage of their numerical superiority, Craig Falconer and Ross McIntyre both shot wide.

The match-winning goal was only delayed a few minutes, ironically after the Poles were back to a full complement of players. A Polish hit out only went as far as Scott Lindsay, he passed the ball on to Duncan Riddell who proceeded to waltz past two defenders, his shot was blocked by the keeper and Peterson pounced on the rebound to volley home.

Meanwhile, in Utrecht, Scotland's Under-18 girls rather predictably lost 11-1 to tournament favourites Holland in the final pool match to finish bottom of their group and are now officially consigned to the relegation pool. Despite the heavy scoreline, the Scots youngsters were the first side to score a goal against the powerful Dutch, at 7-0 CALA Edinburgh's Kirsty Hill stroked home a penalty corner.

The Scots now face Spain today and then France tomorrow, and they must beat both to guarantee avoiding the drop. Belgium also join the relegation dog-fight after losing 1-0 to Ireland, but the points gained by Belgium in the opening-day 3-0 victory over the Scots will be carried into the relegation pool.