Page 4 - Womens Soccer Scene Issue No.5 2022-23

Scotland 0
Republic of Ireland 1 (Barrett 72)
att: 10,708; at Hampden Park
Scotland’s World Cup dream was left in tatters when a goal from substitute Amber Barrett put
them out of the competition at the final play-off stage and the Republic of Ireland, managed by
former Scotland boss Vera Pauw, qualify for a major tournament for the first time in their history.
Pedro Martinez Losa opted to make just one alteration from the side who defeated Austria
on Thursday night, with Fiona Brown - who impressed off the bench against the Austrian - coming
in for Lana Clelland.
The match began with a moment of silence, as those inside the National Stadium paid their
respects to those who tragically lost their lives in Creeslough last Friday. When the game got under
way, it was the away side who initially looked lively with Heather Payne having the first sight of
goal as she shot straight at Lee Gibson from range.
Scotland soon grew into it though and were presented with a golden chance to take an early
lead as referee Esther Staubli pointed to the penalty spot after Martha Thomas' shot hit an arm.
However, Caroline Weir was unable to find the net as Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Courtney
Brosnan dived to her left to save well.
Scotland responded to this setback though, throwing a series of crosses into the box, while
Weir chipped over as she attempted to make amends for the earlier miss.
Ireland were next to threaten in the 28th minute, as Megan Campbell's long throw ended up
in the back of the net, but it was ruled that no-one got a touch and so the goal was disallowed.
It was proving to be an end-to-end contest and Ireland's Aine O'Gorman should have put
the away side in front as she missed a simple headed chance from close range. Sophie Howard
then produced an incredible set of clearances, as the Scotland centre half twice headed off the goal
line during a huge goalmouth scramble, in which Lee Gibson also produced a fine point blank
save, as a hugely exciting first half somehow ended goalless.
Scotland looked to exert their dominance as the second period began and Evans' dangerous
cross almost reached Claire Emslie at the back post, before Weir skewed a shot wide while under
pressure. Emslie then had another shot blocked before Republic's Diane Caldwell bundled wide
when free at the back post.
Both teams made a number of substitutes and it was an Ireland substitute who made the
breakthrough in the 72nd minute, as Amber Barrett raced away before toe-poking beyond Gibson
and into the far corner.
Scotland responded well and Erin Cuthbert had a chance to level almost immediately but
her shot was too close to Brosnan, who had an impressive match in goal.
Pedro Martinez Losa threw on Christy Grimshaw, Emma Mukandi, Lucy Graham, Jen
Beattie and Abi Harrison, and it was two replacements who almost combined to equalise in the
80th minute as Mukandi picked out Graham at the back post but her shot was blocked.
The Scots continued to pour forward and Howard was next to go close but her close range
header drifted agonisingly wide as the match ticked towards injury time. The last chance fell to
Rachel Corsie but the captain's header also went the wrong side of the post as Scotland's World
Cup dream came to an end.
Scotland: Lee Gibson, Lisa Evans (sub Christy Grimshaw 66mins), Sophie Howard, Rachel
Corsie, Nicola Docherty (sub Jennifer Beattie 82mins), Fiona Brown (sub Emma Mukandi
66mins), Erin Cuthbert, Samantha Kerr (sub Lucy Graham 75mins), Claire Emslie, Caroline
Weir, Martha Thomas (sub Abi Harrison 75mins). Subs not used: Kelly Clark, Jenna Fife, Rachel
McLauchlan, Kirsty Hanson, Christie Murray, Lana Clelland, Eartha Cumings.
Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan, Jamie Finn, Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Diane
Caldwell, Megan Campbell, Aine O'Gorman, Lily Agg, Denise O'Sullivan, Katie McCabe,
Heather Payne (sub Amber Barrett 66mins). Subs not used: Harriet Scott, Chloe Mustaki, Kyra
Carusa, Lucy Quinn, Grace Moloney, Claire O'Riordan, Hayley Nolan, Saoirse Noonan, Ciara
Grant, Niamh Farrelly, Megan Walsh.
(www.scottishfa.co.uk)
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