EWC Scotland v. Centre (Belgium) 5th Dec 2010

UEFA REGIONS CUP 2010
Scotland 3 v. 2 Centre (Belgium)

The final game in the group was Scotland against a strong very skilful Belgian side from Centre region. The Belgians settled first applying early pressure to the Scottish rearguard who stood firm.
 

In the 5th minute Smith collected the ball and surged forward on the right. Grant collected a Mulvay pass and shot just past from close range. At the other end Nwadikwa fired in a shot from long range which Nisbet watched closely.
 

In the 7th minute Scotland found themselves behind when Walker sliced a Belgian cross into his own net. Almost from the kick off the Broadfoot’s perfect pass sent Grant free in the box where, before he could slot the ball home Vanhammel tripped him. The Belgian number 3, as the last man, received a red card while the ever cool McKendry prepared to take the spot kick. McKendry stroked the ball down the middle only to see the Belgian keeper Cobbaert palm his effort away. Fortunately for Scotland McKendry reacted first and hammered the rebound into the roof of the net.
 

The game was flowing from end to end both sides determined to extend their lead. Belgium broke free down the left with Vand Walle creating enough space to fire in a speculative cross which netted of the far post. McKendry set Smith clear with Cobbaert blocking his shot at the near post. Broadfoot shot just over as Scotland pressed for an equalizer, a Mulvay free kick came close and Smith hit the cross bar.
 

Scotland piled on the pressure as Shanta headed a Mulvay free kick to Murray who headed just over. At the other end Weynants fired in a shot for Nisbet deal with. Murray slid in with a solid tackle and was booked and just before the interval Mulvay faced a similar fate.
 

After the break the Scots continued their quest and were rewarded when a Smith and Broadfoot move ended with Grant latching on to a slick pass netting from close range. McClure replaced Smith in the 60th minute as the Scots kept the pressure on. Nisbet saved superbly low down to deny Belgium the lead. The competitive nature of the game was underlined when, in an effort to get on the ball, a player from each side spilled over into the technical area and knocked over Scotland manager Hugh Carswell.
 

A Paterson cross was fumbled by the Belgian keeper who recovered before a Scot could react. Monaghan drove forward and found McKendry who shot just wide, Belgium forced a corner and walker cleared well as the game entered its final stages.

K Murray and Marshall entered the fray as the Scots made a final push for victory. Their bold efforts were rewarded when after a corner on the right was cleared to the edge Paterson stepped up to rifle a low drive through a ruck of players into the net. McClure almost extended the lead when he hit the post with a well struck shot.
 

The Scottish defence stood resolute for the last few nervous minutes to record a famous well deserved to finish second in the group.
 

Team: Nisbet, Monaghan, A Paterson, Mulvay, Walker, Shanta, Smith, McKendry, Broadfoot, Murray, Grant.
 

Subs: D Paterson, Clarke, Marshall, McClure, Donaldson, K Murray, Gardiner.