Page 20 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.21 2022-23

Scotland 1 (Howard 8)
Wales 1 (Holland 42)
Scotland and Wales battled out a 1-1 draw in their final Pinatar Cup match, meaning that Wales
finish in second with an unbeaten record behind winners Iceland, and Scotalnd in third.
Scotland got the match underway in beautiful conditions in southern Spain. It didn’t take
Pedro Martinez Losa’s side long to settle in, immediately taking control of the game. The first
real chance of the game resulted in a goal for Scotland. Cuthbert with the in swinger from the
left corner, Sophie Howard was waiting inside the six-yard to smash a header home, giving
Scotland the advantage on eight minutes.
There was an extended break in play when Ceri Holland collided with Samantha Kerr on
15 minutes, the Welsh player grounded by the impact. Scotland continued to dominate in the
midfield, pressing Wales high up the pitch in search of that second goal.
Wales made a half hearted attempt to attack on 22 minutes, Jessica Fishlock and Holland
pressed but Rachel Corsie and Howard combined to extinguish the threat. Gemma Grainger’s
side started to press more around the half hour mark but it was Scotland who came closest
again on 31 minutes. Erin Cuthbert with a shot flashing across the face of goal, ball supplied by
Lauren Davidson who was proving a handful for the Welsh on the right flank.
Nicola Docherty marshalled the defence with military precision throughout the first half,
however, Wales managed to grab an equaliser just before half time, Fishlock’s through ball
picking out Holland who slid the ball under Lee Gibson to level the scoring.
Scotland looked to immediately re-establish their lead as play restarted, Caroline Weir
forcing Olivia Clark into a fingertip save on 50 minutes. A triple substitution for Scotland on
the hour mark, Brogan Hay, Kirsty Hanson and Martha Thomas on for Harrison, Emslie and
Davidson.
Wales created their best opportunity of the half on 68 minutes, Rachel Rowe cut Scotland
open through the middle with a mazy run but Kirsty Smith’s decisive tackle ensured the score
remained level. Rhiannon Roberts served up a looping ball forward a few minutes later for
Wales but Gibson beat Fishlock to it.
The Wales keeper almost gifted Scotland an opportunity to go back in front with a
mistimed clearance on 70 minutes, Cuthbert bearing down on Clark who was relieved to see the
ball trundle past her near post for a corner.
Chloe Arthur replaced Kerr on 78 minutes, Kerr the only player to start all three matches
at the tournament. In the 80th minute, Corsie conceded a free kick just outside the box,
Fishlock tested Gibson with a low drive but to no avail.
Scotland were forced to absorb some late pressure as both sides pushed for a winner but
in the end, nothing could separate the two sides as the game ended in a draw.
Scotland: Lee Gibson, Nicola Docherty, Rachel Corsie, Sophie Howard, Fiona Brown (sub
Kirsty Smith 45mins), Samantha Kerr (sub Chloe Arthur 78mins), Caroline Weir, Erin
Cuthbert, Claire Emslie (sub Brogan Hay 62mins), Lauren Davidson (sub Kirsty Hanson
62mins), Abi Harrison (sub Martha Thomas 62mins). Subs not used: Jenna Fife, Eartha
Cumings, Emma Mukandi, Kelly Clark, Jenna Clark, Lisa Evans, Christie Murray, Christy
Grimshaw, Jamie-Lee Napier.
Wales: Olivia Clark, Lily Woodham, Gemma Evans, Josie Green, Charlie Estcourt (sub
Rhiannon Roberts 60mins), Sophie Ingle, Angharad James, Ceri Holland (sub Rachel Rowe
45mins), Jessica Fishlock, Kayleigh Green (sub Megan Wynne 60mins), Hannah Cain (sub
Helen Ward 87mins). Subs not used: Laura O’Sullivan, Hayley Ladd, Esther Morgan, Alice
Griffiths, Carrie Jones, Anna Filbey, Georgia Walters, Elise Hughes.
(www.scottishfa.co.uk and faw.cymru)
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk