EWC Scotland v. Switzerland 3rd Dec 2010

UEFA REGIONS CUP 2010
EWC Scotland 1 v. 2 Ticino (Switzerland)

The match started slowly with both sides showing a degree of nerves. Switzerland settled first when after a passing move the speedy Dell’Avo shaved the post with a drive. A McClure cross from the right created Scotland’s first chance just evading the on rushing forwards.
 

In the 16th minute Switzerland opened the scoring when a slip in the Scottish defence allowed Dionis to head powerfully home from the edge of the box. Minutes later Switzerland forced a corner on the right. The resultant kick flashed past the defender off the front post and was toe poked into the net by Maretti to extend the Swiss lead.
This goal acted as a wake up call for Scotland when right from the kick off Donaldson drove forward only being denied a shot by a last gasp Swiss tackle. Scotland forced a corner on the left and Paterson was unlucky to see his header go just wide.
 

In the 32nd minute McKendry produced a moment of sheer genius when lobed the ball over two Swiss defenders, strode through and unleashed an unstoppable volley which hit the back of the net before Donataccio, in the Swiss goal even moved. Game on Scotland were back in the game.
T Murray replaced the unlucky Gardiner who left the match after a clash of heads. Scotland were now firing on all cylinders McKendry came close with a free kick, Paterson crossed for Grant to head wide and Dionis was booked for a foul on Clarke.
 

After the interval Shanta replaced Clarke as the Scottish manager changed the formation to try and influence the match. The Scots were now well on top as Switzerland defended deeper and deeper. Paterson was chopped on the edge of the box with McKendry firing the ball just past from the free kick. A Monaghan cross found Murray unmarked with his shot testing the keeper. Scotland were awarded a corner Grant’s flashed header was tipped over by the lively Donataccio.
 

In the 50th minute a Shanta shot was palmed down by the Swiss keeper who pounced on the ball before a Scottish forward could react. Donaldson surged forward only to be pulled down. Walker headed just over from a corner and Mulvay volleyed just past. The Swiss were on the on the ropes as Scotland pressed to level the score line.
Broadfoot was introduced to the fray as Scotland continued to search for an opening. A long throw from McClure appeared to be handled the referee waving away Scotland’s claim for a penalty. McKendry drove into the box and took a tumble which the referee adjudged to be simulation, booking the unlucky midfielder. Scotland’s best chance fell to Grant who shot just wide of the far post.
In the 4 minutes added on Scotland produced four chances all to no avail. The referee blew the final whistle with the Scots still pressing for an equalizer.
 

This was a spirited display from Scotland who can consider themselves very unfortunate not to have gained any reward for their efforts.
 

Team: Nisbet, Monaghan, Paterson, Mulvay, Walker, McClure, Clarke, Donaldson, McKendry, Gardiner, Grant.
 

Subs: D Paterson, Shanta, T Murray, K Murray, Broadfoot, Marshall, Smith.