A late late goal by Amy Sharkey and a win in the penalty shootout ensured Scotland gained two points in their first game in Bob Doc 23 against The Republic of Ireland at Parklea on Sunday.
Scotland started the game strongly, pushing Ireland back right from the kick off. Freya Brien had the first shot on goal in 5 minutes.
7 minutes in and Amy Sharkey who hadn’t given Ireland any time to dwell on the ball intercepted a pass out of defence but just knocked the ball too far ahead of her and it ran out for a goal kick.
A minute later Scotland were awarded a free-kick, wide left, 30 yards from goal. Darra Dawson delivered a superb cross into the Irish box which Jessica Husband chased but couldn’t reach.
It certainly was one way traffic in the opening 10 minutes of the game with Scotland pressing and not giving the visitors ant time to build up play.
It took until the 15th minute for Ireland to launch an attack. Good play down the right saw the ball crossed into the Scottish box but Kate Fraser cleared the danger.
Two minutes later Ireland attacked again , this time down the left. The delivery was well contained by Alex Reid, in goal for Scotland.
Scotland responded with a fast break down the left. The ball was played to Amy who cut inside and passed to Jessica. Jessica had a shot which was well save by the Irish keeper.
Although Scotland had the majority of the play in the opening 10 minutes it was now Ireland’s turn to push for a goal. They were using both wings in the big Parkea surface to get behind the Scottish defence. and look for gaps.
In the 22nd minute Scotland had, perhaps their best chance so far in the game. Kate Fraser drove down the right and passed to Jessica Husband. Jessica, as she had been doing for most of the half, races passed a couple of defenders before moving the ball to Amy Sharkey. Amy was now clear on goal hit a shot low towards goal but was denied by excellent goalkeeping by the Irish keeper.
In the 27th minute, Orla Burn, who was now beginning to get up and down the left wing raced past a defender and delivered a ball into the Irish six yard box. Kate Fraser put pressure on the Irish defence to clear for a corner which Kate took and delivered a superb ball to the edge of the six yard box. Freya Brien met the ball perfectly and headed for goal only to be denied by the positioning of the Irish keeper.
Three minutes later, Sophie Black had a great run beating three defenders before delivering a cross into the Irish box. The danger was cleared and the fast Irish players broke with pace which resulted in a shot off target.
In the 33rd minute Orla Burn started a move on the left before passing to Dara Dawson who then moved the ball to Freya Brien. Freya attempted a shot from wide left which narrowly missed the far post.
Half-time: Scotland 0 Republic of Ireland 0
Scotland certainly started the second half with a bang. Two minutes into the half Amy Sharkey stepped onto a great through ball and hit a screamer only to be met by an equally superb save by the Irish keeper.
In the 46th minute Jessica Husband played Mae English in with a great pass. Mae cut inside and fired in a shot which narrowly missed the far post.
50 minutes into the game and Scotland were pressing for the opening goal.
In the 52nd minute Ireland took the lead. A break down the right wing saw the ball delivered to the back post where their number 11 knocked the ball into the net.
Scotland continued to press for the equaliser but were limited to shots from outside the box by the Irish defence.
A minute into added time Dara intercepted a clearance, got to the bye line and cut the ball back to Jessica Husband. Jessica hit for goal but her shot was blocked.
A minute later still Scotland equalised and it was Amy Sharkey who scored. Jessica Husband played in Amy who dribbled past two defenders before moving the ball to Darra. Darra was surrounded by defenders but managed to return the ball to Amy. She wriggled past three defenders before smashing the ball into the roof of the net from 12 yards out.
That was the last of the action as the referee called time as soon as the re-start was taken.
Onto penalties to decide the bonus point. Ireland were up first and missed. Dara Ositelu was next up and hit then ball low the keepers right. Next it was Alex’s turn to pull off a great save. The Irish keeper then saved Amy’s penalty. Both sides scored their next two penalties. The final penalty was missed by Ireland meaning Scotland won the shootout 3-2.
Full-time: Scotland 1 Republic of Ireland 1
Scotland: Alex Reid, Kate Fraser, Olivia McStay, Erin Husband, Darra Dawson (Mae English), Jessica Husband, Lily Boyce (Darra Ositelu), Sophie Black (Izzy Young), Orla Burn, Freya Brien, Amy Sharkey.
Subs not used: Kayla Scott, Amélie Chomczuk, May Cruft.
Scotland Squad
