Scotland wins consecutively 5th Celtic Cup by defeating Ireland 1-0: Hockey Recap
Scotland beat Ireland by 1-0 in a nail-biting finish played at Inverclyde, and continued their winning supremacy in the Celtic Cup for the fifth consecutive year.
The Scottish side required only a draw game to lift the trophy as they had a trivial advantage over Ireland regarding the goal difference. Both of the teams had scored dominant victories in their previous games, where Scotland defeated Wales by 6-0 and Ireland
beat the same side by a score of 5-0.
The match started in a tight mode, as both the teams played excellent hockey throughout the tournament, and perhaps the Irish side seemed more energetic in early matches of the tournament. In the tenth minute of the first half, the Irish side was awarded
a penalty corner, but Scottish goal-keeper, Abi Walker, prevented them from doing any damage. Both teams looked very desperate to open their account, but did not get any success in doing so. A number of good circle penetrations and goal attempts were made
by both sides, but the first half unexpectedly ended in a draw with scores at 0-0.
The second half was even in more disorder as compared to first half, but the Scottish were really lucky when their goal-keeper, Walker, made a beautiful save with the help of a dive on a penalty corner in the 55th minute. More to the Scottish
luck that the shot on the rebound went on hitting the goal-post.
In the mean time, the Scottish team was trying to bring their best and eventually they succeeded in the 61st minute when Nikki Kidd scored a beautiful decider on a forceful low drag flick. After Scotland had scored the opening goal, the game suddenly
picked up the pace with the Irish team was looking so desperate to equalise the score. Several efforts were made by both sides, but no goal was scored after that.
In the dying moments of the match, Ireland had a great chance of equalising the score, but thanks to Abi Walker who once again, with great determination, saved the real chance. After that they were awarded a penalty corner in overtime, but the Scottish goal-keeper
once again proved a barrier in front of them. Walker saved the penalty corner comfortably and helped her side in lifting the Celtic Cup trophy for the fifth time in a row.
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