Scots shake off sloppy start to sink Italy

Scotland made life a little harder than it might have been by having to play large parts of the second half with ten men through a lack of discipline but the win ensures qualification for the semi-final stage with tomorrow's game against the bottom-placed team, Azerbaijan, determining whether they go through as group winners.

Despite losing a slack goal in the opening minute, Josh Cairns levelled after ten minutes. The Scots continued to dominate but were finding it difficult to break down a stuffy Italian defence and Kenny Bain saw two efforts saved. Very much against the run of play Italy regained the lead and again the Scots may question their defending.

However, a brilliant solo run from Kenny Bain was rewarded when he rounded the keeper and fired a low reverse shot to level the scores at the break.

Scotland edged ahead for the first time with a second Josh Cairns strike. With yellow cards starting to mount up, the Scots extended their lead after a brilliant six-man move was finished off by Ross McIntyre.

Italy did take advantage of Scottish indiscipline to reduce the arrears but Kenny Bain slammed home the Scots' fifth goal as full time approached.

There was less encouraging news for the Scotland U21 women's side, who lost the second game of the Eurohockey Junior Nations Championships against Spain 4-1 in Lille yesterday.

Although the Scots played arguably better than the opening game with Belarus, the main difference between the teams was Spain's ability to convert short corner opportunities, from which they netted all four of their goals.

After losing an early goal, the Scot almost levelled through Ali Howie, but her shot was well saved. Isobel Rosie initially saved Spain's next corner attempt but the defence were unable to clear and Spain slotted home the rebound.

Scotland did hit back just before the break when Louise Fleming's effort was volleyed home by Daniele Johnston and they opened the second half with real purpose. They were unfortunate not to equalise after good work from Howie found Johnston but this time the keeper managed to block her attempt.

The Spanish then scored from a third corner and rounded off the scoring with a fourth from a reverse stick effort from their final corner repertoire.

Scotland's next opponents are the reigning champions Germany tomorrow, with the spectre of the relegation pool now on the horizon.