DEREK FORSYTH, the Scotland coach, was elated about the progress his squad have made in the three test match series against Spain in Barcelona, which culminated in a fine 2-2 draw in the final game against a side ranked 11th in the world.

Forsyth`s charges were untried this year, this was their first outing in nine months, and contained six under-21 players, while the Spanish were in the final stages of their build-up for the forthcoming World League semi-final and had played over 20 matches already this year.

The Scots lost their opening fixtures 6-0 and 4-2, Gavin Byers and Alan Forsyth the scorers, but progress was confirmed with the hard-fought draw against one of Europe`s top sides.

It looked a real mountain to climb when the Spanish were two ahead early in the second half, but the reversal seemed to galvanise the Scots. A pass from the right by Forsyth found Wei Adams in space in the circle and the Canterbury striker buried the chance albeit at the second attempt.

The equaliser was a spectacular individual effort by Grange striker Hamish Imrie, he picked up the ball at half-way, waltzed past three Spanish defenders and finished by lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

There were a couple of chances at both ends to win the contest. Surbiton`s Forsyth beat a defender in the circle but his shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, while at the other end Spain were awarded a late penalty corner but the shot was bravely charged down by Byers.

"The result was a real credit to the entire squad, especially the youngsters who came to Barcelona with no real build-up. But they reacted very well to the sharp learning curve and it was a great building block for the Europeans later this summer," said Forsyth.