England beat Scotland to reach hockey semis

GLASGOW: England women´s hockey team secured their place in the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games with a hard-fought 2-1 win over hosts Scotland on Wednesday.

New Zealand are likely to be England´s opponents for a place in the gold medal match on Friday as they just need to beat minnows Canada later to complete a 100 percent record from Group B.

With both teams having already beaten Malaysia and Wales and lost to gold medal favourites Australia, second place in Group B was on the line. Alex Danson and Susannah Townsend had given England the perfect start as they marched into a 2-0 lead after 27 minutes.

However, Scotland rallied before half-time when Nikki Kidd slammed home a penalty corner and the home side could have provided a sensational comeback in the second-half had it not been for England keeper Maddie Hinch as she made a string of fine saves.

Despite their best efforts, though, Scotland couldn´t find an equaliser and will have to settle for a place in the fifth-place playoff on Friday. (AFP)