Scotland women held to a draw in Belfast

Scotland women were held to a 1-1 draw in Belfast in the first of a three-match series against Ireland. Charlotte Watson scored Scotland’s goal in a game that brought a very positive Scotland performance.

Scotland started the game well and looked confident and dangerous in possession against the talented Ireland side.

It didn’t take long for Scotland to take the lead and it was Charlotte Watson who showed some killer instinct when she scored for Scotland. A slick through pass by Lucy Lanigan found Watson tearing into the D and she slid the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0.

Scotland’s lead was short-lived as Ireland equalised within a minute of Watson’s strike when Jessica McMaster netted to level the score.

Charlotte Watson against Ireland in Glasgow last year. Photo by John Preece

Scotland still looked strong despite the setback with goalkeeper Lucy Camlin only called into action to save a swivel and shot by Sinead Loughran.

The Scots were nearly back in front when debutant Laura Swanson hit the crossbar in the 25th minute before Erin Getty managed to clear the danger.

Just before half time Scotland came close again to striking a second goal when Bex Condie had a penalty corner well saved by the goalkeeper before it was cleared by Elena Tice.

Into the second half and Scotland continued to threaten in an exciting and entertaining contest. A penalty corner saw the Scots go for a deflection but the ball went wide and the score remained level.

As the game came to a close Emily Dark, who became Scotland’s youngest recorded cap in this game, had a penalty corner denied amid claims of an illegal stop on the line but nothing was given.

Ireland nearly nicked it at the death when Sarah Torrans showed some lovely skill but her shot zipped inches wide and the game finished in a draw.

Scotland women Head Coach Gordon Shepherd said, “It was an excellent display and I’m particularly delighted with the four players making their debut – Laura Swanson, Emily Dark, Lorna Cruickshank and Rachael Mack were all impressive.

“I’m very happy at the level of performance especially considering all the players played for their clubs yesterday and travelled to Ireland today for the match.

“I’ll be looking for the players to continue the level of performance into the next game, improve in a couple of areas, and hopefully get the result we want.”

The two sides meet again on Tuesday evening at Banbridge at 7pm before returning to Stormont on Wednesday at 12.30pm.

 

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