Scotland suffered defeat in their Pinatar Cup opener against a clinical Wales team.

Lana Clelland’s well-worked opener was quickly cancelled out, with Wales capitalising ruthlessly on some slack moments.

It was tough on the Scots, who worked hard and created chances throughout.

Scotland started on the front foot, with a dangerous Caroline Weir cross scrambled to safety by the Wales defence.

Jane Ross was just beaten to the ball by keeper Laura O’Sullivan after looking to capitalise on a driven delivery from Claire Emslie.

Clelland saw another effort deflected behind but she was not to be denied for long.

In first-half injury time a pinpoint cross from Christy Grimshaw found Clelland, who was equally precise with her header for the opener.

Unfortunately for Scotland, they barely had a minute to enjoy the moment as Wales notched a quickfire leveller.

The Scots defence were caught out by a long ball and Jenna Clark could only bring down Kayleigh Green in the box. Jessica Fishlock left Jenna Fife with no chance, with a whipped penalty that flew by her right-hand side.

Martinez Losa shuffled the pack at half-time, with Abi Harrison, Chloe Arthur and Martha Thomas introduced for Jane Ross, Jenna Clark and Clelland.

Looking revived for the break at the interval in energy-sapping conditions, the Scots upped the ante and twice came close to regaining the lead.

Emslie fired narrowly over, while Harrison drilled just wide.

Wales responded in clinical fashion and edged in front on 53 minutes, when a clever back-heel from Natasha Harding teed up Fishlock, who made no mistake from close range.

The influential Harding made it 3-1 on the hour mark as the Welsh turned the screw.

Grimshaw and Christie Murray were withdrawn for Kirsty Hanson and Sam Kerr as Scotland looked to turn the tide.

With eight minutes left, Weir did well to find space in the box but her curling shot went wide.

There was a debut for Kelly Clark, who replaced Lisa Robertson on 85 minutes.

Harrison pressed hard as the focal point and came close to getting her reward, but an 86th-minute shot flew narrowly wide of the post.

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Scotland will now have two days to rest up before Saturday’s second Pinatar Cup outing, against the team that loses out tonight between Belgium and Slovakia.

Scotland: Fife, Grimshaw (Hanson, 62’), J Clark (Thomas 45’), Beattie, Howard, Emslie, Murray 62’), Robertson, K Clark 85’), Weir, Clelland (Harrison 45’), Ross (Arthur, 45’).

Unused Substitutes: Cumings, Smith, Docherty, Graham, Eddie, Arnot.

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