Anna Harrington / AAP News

The Hockeyroos defeated Scotland to top the side’s group as they progress into the knockout stages of the Birmingham tournament.

The Hockeyroos will head into the Commonwealth Games semi-finals high on confidence after breaking down Scotland to seal a 2-0 win and finish top of their group.

Australia dominated with 21 shots to zero as they secured a fourth consecutive clean sheet but didn’t break through until two minutes before half-time when Grace Stewart scored.

Shanea Tonkin added a second at the start of the fourth quarter to seal the result.

Australia will next face either Canada or India in the semi-finals on Friday.

India were due to take on Canada later on Wednesday morning, with the winner to finish runner-up in group A.

In a rainy start to the clash at Birmingham University, breaking down Scotland’s hard-working defence proved a difficult task.

Mariah Williams should have scored in the third minute but her deflection was denied by Scottish goalkeeper Amy Gibson.

Three minutes later Williams had three shots denied in quick succession.

The Hockeyroos came out of the main break and finally broke through in the 28th minute.

Maddy Fitzpatrick was denied from a penalty corner but barely a minute later, Stewart turned her opponent inside-out and coolly stroked the ball into the bottom corner.

Australia peppered Scotland’s goal without reward in a goalless third quarter.

But the weight of numbers finally won out at the start of the final quarter.

Greta Hayes burst forward and picked out Tonkin, who finished with aplomb.