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Edinburgh Reporter

Verzura penalty denies Scots

Scotland's women's hockey team looked set for a narrow win over France in the first of two Test matches at Peffermill Playing Fields in Edinburgh, but they were denied by a late penalty stroke. Olympian Amy Costello fired the host ahead but Eve Verzura replied and the second match is at Peffermill on Sunday (push off 11.15am). Ava Wadsworth and Cat Nelli earned their first caps for Scotland in the contest watched by an encouraging crowd and Scotland began on the front foot, exerting real pressure on the French defence. Heather McEwan was first to threaten for the Scots but her shot was saved by the French goalkeeper and captain Sarah Robertson then fired a shot on the turn only to see it blocked by the goalkeeper's leg guards. It was not one-way traffic and, early in the second quarter, Scotland goalkeeper, Jess Buchanan, produced a quality save as France tried to open up Scots defence. Debutant Wadsworth then denied the French with a goal-line clearance and seconds later Scotland broke the deadlock when Olympian Amy Costello converted from a penalty corner. Then Katie Birch was denied by a superb save as Scotland's pressure continued. Costello came close as Scotland looked to double their advantage and, in the final quarter, striker Sarah Jamieson saw her shot hit the goalkeepers pad. The clock continued to tick and France hit back with an equaliser when a penalty stroke was awarded and ice cool Verzura fired the ball high into the net to level. FAN SUPPORT: Part of the crowd at Peffermill to watch the action. Picture Nigel Duncan Like this: Like Related