Robertson`s strike gives Scots victory in Dublin

ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE –
DUBLIN

SCOTLAND  1  UNITED STATES 0

Gordon Shepherd used all his guile to guide Scotland`s
women to a magnificent 1-0 win over the United States, a side eight
places above them in the world ranking, in the opening pool match
of the Electric Ireland Champions Challenge in Dublin.  
The result means that the Scots share top spot in the pool with
hosts Ireland who beat South Africa by the same score.

The Scots held the edge in the first half, but neither side
created too many chances during the 35 minutes.   In 13
minutes a cross from the right by Leigh Fawcett found a deflection
off a defender`s stick, but Ailsa Wyllie just could not gain
control of the ball to take advantage of the
half-chance.   But a minute later the Scots did take the
lead, a fierce shot from the right hand side of the circle by Ali
Bell was blocked by the American goalkeeper, but the ball ran
kindly for the in-coming Sarah Robertson to score at the far
post.

Scotland had two further chances before the interval, a Sam
Judge shot at a penalty corner was judged dangerous, and then a
scoop from Aileen Davis found Wyllie on her own with the keeper in
the circle. but the Grove Menzieshill striker failed to sink the
chance.

The second half was not so comfortable for the Scots as the
Americans put on the pressure to get back into the contest. 
Scots keeper Amy Gibson, who had not touched the ball in anger in
the first half, was suddenly called upon to make some crucial saves
to maintain the clean sheet.   The Americans also
suffered from not having a full complement on the pitch with four
green and one yellow card.

The Scots had a couple of chances of their own, Judge was
crowded out in the opening minutes of the half, and then Robertson
had a chance to add to her tally but shot wide of the
post.  

The Scottish defence was under pressure, but held firm, and
Gibson had a brilliant diving save to deny the Americans at their
third set piece of the second half with six minutes
left.   In the final five minutes, the USA coach took off
his keeper to increase the number of his outfield players, but the
tactic failed to work, and the Scots held out for a famous single
goal victory.

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