The coach challenges the hockey team after a heavy loss

Chris Duncan believes the 4-0 defeat to Ireland in Belfast was a “wake-up call” for Scotland’s women’s hockey team as they continue their bid for the EuroHockey Championships.

Ireland are also at the Euros and the team’s Edinburgh-based head coach said: “This is a reality check and will show us the level required to play with the top eight teams. All the goals we conceded were preventable and we never showed our defensive identity.”

The sides meet again today (Sunday) and Duncan vowed: “Well, be better. Saturday was difficult, but well grouped and out showing improvement.

“It’s 100 days until the Euros, which is a proud moment for us, and we need to reach the level we know we can achieve.

The Scots were under pressure from the first minute and struggled to get into gear and it wasn’t long before the hosts opened the scoring. The goal came from a transfer from the right side of the field and a shot to the far corner.

The second goal came in the second quarter when Ireland broke through the Scottish defense and exposed keeper Jess Buchanan. Ireland progressed further thanks to a clinical finish.

A goalless third quarter was deadlocked, but the hosts struck twice in the final session, the first from a penalty that flew off a defender and the fourth arriving in the Scotland circle after a header.

Disappointingly, Scotland had three penalty corner chances but were unable to convert, adding to Duncan’s frustration.