Page 19 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.23 2021-22

The Scots worked tirelessly throughout and created enough chances to win, but found the
opposition defence in resilient form.
After a gruelling match and training programme, the squad fly home tomorrow with all
eyes on the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Pedro Martinez Losa handed a debut to goalkeeper Eartha Cumings, while there was a
starting spot for skipper Rachel Corsie - who has been working her way back to full fitness
following a bout of Covid.
Scotland's attacking intent was evident from the off and typified by the lively Jane Ross.
Two minutes in she was denied the opening goal by an offside flag, then drew a smart stop from
Hungarian keeper Barbara Biro three minutes later.
Biro was by far the busier of the shot stoppers in the early exchanges, and had to be sharp
to clutch a deep, dangerous cross from Nicola Docherty. Hungary eventually managed to get a
foothold in the contest, and it took a brave tackle from Jen Beattie to deny captain Henrietta
Csiszar.
Scotland regained the initiative, and a creative set piece on 36 minutes almost paid off. Sam
Kerr fed Ross, who back heeled into the path of Weir, whose shot was blocked before Abi
Harrison's follow up was flagged offside.
Now more of an end-to-end contest, Sophie Howard did well to head clear from a Fanni
Vago free-kick in a dangerous position as the teams went into the half-time interview
deadlocked.
It was a rejigged Scotland that emerged for the second half, with Lana Clelland, Claire
Emslie, Christie Murray and Lucy Graham on in place of Weir, Kirsty Hanson, Kirsty Smith and
Ross. Chloe Arthur soon followed - with Beattie withdrawn - as Scotland sought to regain the
initiative.
Harrison was next to try her luck, but could only find the side netting with her powerful
strike, while Biro was alert to get two safe hands on a threatening Clelland cross. At the other
end, Diana Csanyi blazed over when well placed to at least test Cumings.
Scotland piled on the pressure late on, with Biro again denying Clelland after a determined
run and cut-back from Emslie. Clelland caught the eye again with a drive into the box and
intelligent lay-off to Graham, who watched on in dismay as her shot was cleared off the line
before Harrison's follow up strike was deflected behind for a corner.
With the scores locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout would decide the victors.
Hungary notches first through the lively Vágó. Up stepped Claire Emslie for the first Scotland
penalty – the Hungary 'keeper dove the right way, but Emslie's shot founf the back of the net.
Hungary's second spot kick cannoned off the crossbar, with Sam Kerr firing home a terrific
penalty to capitalise. Hungary's third was dragged wide, with Lana Clelland keeping her cool to
notch Scotland's third.
Up stepped Savanya for Hungary, in sudden death. Eartha Cumings produced a fantastic
save to seal the victory for Scotland, receiving the congratulations of her teammates on a
memorable debut.
Scotland: Eartha Cumings, Kirsty Smith (sub Christie Murray 45mins), Sophie Howard,
Jennifer Beattie (sub Chloe Arthur 66mins), Nicola Docherty, Samantha Kerr, Rachel Corsie,
Caroline Weir (sub Lana Clelland 45mins), Kirsty Hanson (sub Claire Emslie 45mins), Jane
Ross (sub Lucy Graham 45mins), Abi Harrison (sub Lizzie Arnot 90mins). Subs not used: Lee
Alexander, Lisa Robertson, Jenna Clark, Leah Eddie, Martha Thomas, Kelly Clark.
Hungary: Barbara Biro, Laura Kovacs (sub Csilla Savanya 86mins), Lilla Turanyi (sub
Beatrix Fordos 45mins), Hanna Nemeth, Loretta Nemeth, Henrietta Csiszar (sub Diana
Csanyi 70mins), Dora Zeller, Evelin Fenyvesi (sub Petra Kocsan 45mins), Viktoria Szabo (sub
Fanni Vachter 45mins), Bernadett Zagor (sub Emoke Papai 45mins), Fanni Vago. Subs nor
used: Evelin Eros, Eszter Kovacs, Adrienn Olah, Fruzsina Schildkraut.
(www.scottishfa.co.uk)
Issue no. 23 - 24 February 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk