Page 12 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.28 2022-23

Australia 0
Scotland 1 (Docherty 47)
at the Cherry Red Records Stadium
Scotland produced a fine performance as they opened up their double header of friendlies
with a victory over World Cup hosts Australia at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
It was a first call-up and first start for Rangers’ youngster Emma Watson. The JD
Performance School graduate made the starting line-up along with club team-mates Nicola
Docherty and Sam Kerr. Claire Emslie captained the senior side for the first time in the
absence of injured Rachel Corsie. Lee Gibson started in goal with Docherty joined in
defence by Sophie Howard, Emma Mukandi and Fiona Brown. Kerr and Watson made up
the midfield trio with Caroline Weir. Martha Thomas led the attack with Emslie on the left
and Kirsty Hanson on the right.
Scotland got the game underway and both teams were pretty evenly matched in the
opening 10 minutes, neither side with any clear-cut chances. Ellie Carpenter surged
forward looking to carve out an opportunity for the World Cup hosts, Howard cleared the
danger, turning the ball out for a corner. Gibson was called into action on 15 minutes,
producing a great save to deny Australia the opener.
A few minutes later the hosts came close from a free kick just outside of the 18-yard
box, Hayley Raso collected at the near post and managed to drill the ball off a team mate
allowing Scotland to clear their lines.
Thomas came close to opening the scoring for Scotland on 26 minutes, collecting the
ball from Hanson down the right but Mackenzie Arnold was equal to the shot. The
Manchester United forward came close again a few minutes later, Hanson hooked the ball
across, but Thomas’ shot just crept over the bar.
Scotland continued to apply pressure on the half hour mark, Kerr with a long range
effort which was just wide of the target. Watson outstanding on her senior debut as
Scotland continued to dominate the first half - unlucky to go in without scoring at the break.
It didn’t take long for Scotland to take control of the second half, Docherty opened the
scoring on 47 minutes with a beautiful looping ball that dropped perfectly into the top right
corner, pinging off the stanchion and leaving the Australian ‘keeper no chance.
Vine came close for the hosts with a near instant response but was denied by the
crossbar. Fowler tried to even the score again a few minutes later but Gibson with a brave
save retained Scotland’s advantage.
Thomas nearly made it two, Weir with an inch perfect delivery to captain Emslie who
flicked the ball back into the middle for Thomas who dragged the shot narrowly wide. Raso
had a chance on the hour mark but Gibson recovered to make the save.
The hosts continued to push for the equaliser into the latter stages, but the Scottish
defence remained resolute. A deserved and solid win for a vibrant and energetic Scotland.
Scotland: Lee Gibson, Nicola Docherty, Sophie Howard, Fiona Brown, Emma Mukandi,
Samantha Kerr, Caroline Weir, Emma Watson (sub Chelsea Cornet 66mins), Claire
Emslie (sub Lauren Davidson 66mins), Kirsty Hanson (sub Jamie Lee Napier 78mins),
Martha Thomas (sub Brogan Hay 87mins). Subs not used: Jenna Fife, Eartha Cumings,
Kathryn Hill, Jenna Clark, Kirsty Smith, Lisa Robertson, Rachel McLauchlan, Amy Muir.
Australia: Mackenzie Arnold, Claire Polkinghome, Cortnee Vine, Mary Fowler, Hayley
Raso (sub Tameka Yallop 82mins), Katrina Gorry, Ellie Carpenter (sub Courtney Nevin
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk