The Ulster U18 Boys threatened a late comeback against Scotland, losing 3-2 in their final game at UUJ this morning.
Having been 3-0 down, goals from Bobbi Robinson and Josh Williamson gave Ulster a fighting chance towards the end of the tie, but the side couldn’t find an equalising goal and fell to a 3-2 defeat.
A quick start to begin the game, both teams wanted to get a foothold, with the away side creating the first circle penetrations but nothing was able to come of them.
Then with seven minutes left in the first quarter Ulster won the first penalty corner of the game, beginning with a variation back to the injector, but good pressure from the away defence forced the shot wide of the goal.
With two minutes left in the first quarter, Scotland won their first corner of the game and opted to back their flicker at the top, but Ulster keeper Guy Campbell held strong making 3 excellent saves to keep the game even at the end of the first quarter.
The home side came out in the second quarter on top, however some slow passing gave the Scottish forwards an opportunity to turnover the ball which resulted in a excellent two versus one opportunity down the centre of the pitch. Thankfully the last defender and goalkeeper held strong to keep them off the score board.
With four minutes left in the first half, Scotland broke the deadlock with another overload of players. The Ulster keeper did well to delay the attack, however the rest of the defence were slower to react to a loose ball in the circle before a visiting forward converted.
Six minutes into the third quarter, Scotland continued their pressure and won another penalty corner, but an excellent line of the first funner blocked the shot and kept it 1-0.
An overzelus tackle form Scotland resulted in the first card of the game. With a player up, Ulster created an excellent opportunity to get onto the score board, but the away keeper pulling off a solid left glove save.
Both team started to show fatigue of the weekend, turning it into a running game and a drop in tempo, however with the final quarter still to go, despite a two nil score line for the away team Ulster still had it all to play for.
The hosts looked to get the fourth quarter underway with possession higher up the field, but Scotland sat solid in their zonal pres and headed straight up the other side of the field to add to their opportunities at goal.
Some lovely 3D skills by the home boys resulted in loose tackling outside the defensive circle by the Scots. Another good corner routine but with no result and the blue’s defense held strong. Six minutes into the final quarter and Scotland took advantage of the missed Ulster chances adding their third to the scoreboard.
With 6.31 left on the clock, a mis-timed tackle in the Scottish circle resulted in a penalty stroke for the home side which Bobbi Robinson calmly converted, picking out the side netting.
Momentum continued with the Ulster boy’s going right back to the attacking circle winning a corner, with a smooth routine to add another to the score board as Josh Williams got a second goal back for his side.
Four minutes left on the clock, ulster kept pushing to get another opportunity at goal. Scotland tried to look for the long release out of defense but Ulster returned to the attacking circle again and won another corner, which was defended well by the Scottish unit.
The final whistle went with a valient effort by both sides, ultimately Scotland held onto the win with some smart play to the corner of the pitch to prevent anymore Ulster opportunities.