U-18 Girls v Scotland
Wales entertained Scotland for a three test series over the Easter break.
Match 1: Fri 10th April
Conceding goals from penalty corners in the 5’ & 13’ minutes put Wales immediately on the back foot. It also took some time to adjust to playing the experimental rules for the first time and these caused uncertainty and some errors. However, after the 2nd penalty corner goal Wales did not concede another pc until two minutes from the end. Scotland scored their 3rd goal early on in the second half – initial concentration faltering again – but then Wales settled down once more and began to adjust to the pace of the game. Scotland’s 4th came as a carbon copy of the third when some ineffective tackling and decision making allowed an individual goal from a skilful dribble in both circumstances.
| Wales | 0 | Scotland | 4 | |
Match 2: Sat 11th April
A much more disciplined and improved performance from Wales showing that they had learnt considerably from the previous game. Wales did not concede a corner until the 22’ thus considerably reducing the chance of an early setback. But it was from their second corner on 29’ that Scotland took the lead. After half-time Wales continued their improvement and were rewarded with an excellent goal that involved quality decision making from Sian Evans, Laura Sugar, Emily James and finally Sophie Clayton. A final score of 1-1 was great encouragement and a vindication of the principles that the squad had been working at.
| Wales | 1 | Scotland | 1 | |
Match 3: Sun 12th April
Wales took an early lead after just 7’ when a quick side-line hit-in was followed by a shot from Katie Howson, which allowed Emma Robinson to deflect the ball past the keeper. Most heartening was that Wales were able to enjoy the lead for a further 43’ and learn how to deal with that scenario. Scotland scored twice in the second half as a result of two basic defensive errors. The series as a whole provided considerable optimism because not only the improving results but, more importantly, the absorption and implementation of what was expected of them, saw considerable and rapid development from all the players.
Goals: 7m Emma Robinson [f] 1-0; 44m [c] 1-1; 50m [f] 1-2.
| Wales | 1 | Scotland | 2 | |
