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Abbi grants Scotland win over Iceland

Scotland 1 (Grant 55)
Iceland 0
Scotland made it two wins out of two in the Pinatar Cup with a dominant performance against
Iceland.
A second half strike from Abbi Grant handed Scotland the win and Ukraine's 4-0 win
over Northern Ireland later in the day meant Shelley Kerr's side had won the Pinatar Cup
before they played their final game.
Shelley Kerr made a host of changes to the team that beat Ukraine on Wednesday with
only Caroline Weir, Claire Emslie and Hannah Godfrey retaining their starting berths.
Christie Murray was bright from the off and went close with a powerful drive from the
edge of the box early on which was well turned away by the Iceland ‘keeper Siguroardottir.
The chances continued to come for Scotland. Notably, Chelsea forward Erin Cuthbert
went close with a fierce strike from 20 yards out and Abbi Grant passed up a great
opportunity from close range when played in by Weir, firing her shot over the bar.
Although there were no goals to show for Scotland’s control at the break, Kerr would
have been pleased at the number of times her side were able to carve open a disciplined
Iceland side.
Sure enough, Scotland’s persistence was rewarded in the 55th minute when Grant
opened the scoring with her first goal for the national team. The Birmingham City forward cut
in from the right and curled a shot into the far corner with her left foot, to give her side a
deserved lead.
Scotland continued to press for another goal and were unlucky not to score when
Cuthbert had a pop from distance, this time her effort flashed narrowly over the bar. The
ever-involved Emslie then fired a low shot across the face of goal which was well dealt with
by Siguroardottir.
Emma Mitchell also went close late on when she latched on to a cross from substitute
Lizzie Arnot at the far post, but there was no one close enough to convert her header across
the face of goal.
Lee Alexander, Emma Mitchell, Rachel Corsie, Rachael Boyle, Caroline Weir,
Leanne Crichton, Christie Murray (sub Lucy Graham 77mins), Abbi Grant (sub Lizzie Arnot
77mins), Claire Emslie, Erin Cuthbert, Hannah Godfrey. Subs not used: Shannon Lynn, Jenna
Fife, Nicola Docherty, Hayley Lauder, Jane Ross, Amy Muir, Sophie Howard, Martha Thomas,
Samantha Kerr.
Scotland complete perfect week

Scotland 2 (Cuthbert 35, Grant 38)
Northern Ireland 1 (Furness 5)
Scotland ended their Pinatar Cup campaign with maximum points after a hard fought 2-1
victory over Northern Ireland.
Shelley Kerr’s side had already won the tournament prior to kick off and were presented
with the trophy after a match where first half goals from Erin Cuthbert and Abbi Grant sealed
the win.
Scotland controlled the opening exchanges but found themselves behind after Rachel
Furness headed home from a looping delivery. The Liverpool player made no mistake from
close range from Demi Vance’s cross.
Issue no. 28 - 12 March 2020 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk