Scots relegated after poor showing in Italy

Scotland, once a force in European indoor hockey, have completely fallen from grace by being relegated to the third division of the European Indoor Nations Championships for the first time in the country’s history.

While other countries, particularly those in Eastern Europe, have invested in the indoor game and consequently progressed, Scottish Hockey’s commitment has steadily declined, and the poor performance in Lignano is the result of this present malaise.

Scottish Hockey management now have a major decision to make in the next few months – either indoor hockey should be given greater encouragement and support, or else pull the plug on the sport altogether.

The Scots came bottom of the relegation pool and failed to win a game, a 0-0 draw with Italy in the opening game being the sole crumb of comfort. In some mitigation, the Scots were in contention in every game and their defeats were all by a single goal.

Even before their final game against Slovakia, the Scots knew their fate as Italy managed a 2-2 draw with Belarus, conveniently ensuring both sides’ survival for another two years. Then came the nadir for Billy McPherson’s charges as they lost 2-1 to Slovakia, a side that had lost every game up to that point and were already doomed to relegation.

Scotland never looked like winning this wooden spoon encounter and fell behind to a Slovakian penalty corner in 11 minutes. The contest was effectively over when Slovakia doubled their lead mid-way through the second half, leaving Ross McPherson’s open play goal as little more than a consolation.

However, the foundation of the problem occurred when the Scots lost 4-3 to Sweden in the final pool on Saturday, plunging them into the relegation pool.

Scotland’s cause was not helped when defensive frailties donated the Swedes two goals in the opening three minutes. But the fight-back was soon underway, and Menzieshill striker Chris Wilson pulled one back before Gareth Hall netted an equaliser. When Wilson scored his second to give the Scots a 3-2 lead, the dream of promotion looked a growing possibility, but within a couple of minutes the Swedes had drawn level.And the relegation pool became a reality when Sweden took a 4-3 lead midway through the second half.

The Scots were consigned to a relegation dogfight with Belarus, Slovakia and Italy, and first up they fell 3-2 to Belarus.