Australia 0-1 Scotland
International Friendly
Friday, 7 April 2023
Cherry Red Records Stadium, London

Scorers:

Australia

Scotland – Docherty 47’

Team news

It was a first call-up and first start for Rangers’ youngster Emma Watson. The JD Performance School graduate made the starting line-up along with club team-mates Nicola Docherty and Sam Kerr. Claire Emslie captained the senior side for the first time in the absence of injured Rachel Corsie. Lee Gibson started in goal with Docherty joined in defence by Sophie Howard, Emma Mukandi and Fiona Brown. Kerr and Watson made up the midfield trio with Caroline Weir. Martha Thomas led the attack with Emslie on the left and Kirsty Hanson on the right.

As it happened

Scotland got the game underway shooting left to right and both teams were pretty evenly matched in the opening 10 minutes, neither side with any clear-cut chances. Ellie Carpenter surged forward looking to carve out an opportunity for the World Cup hosts, Howard cleared the danger, turning the ball out for a corner. Gibson was called into action on 15 minutes, producing a great save to deny Australia the opener.

A few minutes later the hosts came close from a free-kick just outside of the 18-yard box, Hayley Raso collected at the near post and managed to drill the ball off a team-mate allowing Scotland to clear their lines.

Thomas came close to opening the scoring for Scotland on 26 minutes, collecting the ball from Hanson down the right but Mackenzie Arnold was equal to the shot. The Manchester United forward came close again a few minutes later, Hanson hooked the ball across, but Thomas’ shot just crept over the bar.

Scotland continued to apply pressure on the half-hour mark, Kerr with a long-range effort which was just wide of the target. Watson outstanding on her senior debut as Scotland continued to dominate the first half - unlucky to go in without scoring at the break.

It didn’t take long for Scotland to take control of the second-half, Docherty opened the scoring on 47 minutes with a beautiful looping ball that dropped perfectly into the top right corner, pinging off the stanchion and leaving the Australian ‘keeper no chance.

Vine came close for the hosts with a near instant response but was denied by the crossbar. Fowler tried to even the score again a few minutes later but Gibson with a brave save retained Scotland’s advantage.

Thomas nearly made it two, Weir with an inch perfect delivery to captain Emslie who flicked the ball back into the middle for Thomas who dragged the shot narrowly wide. Raso had a chance on the hour mark but Gibson recovered to make the save.

The hosts continued to push for the equaliser into the latter stages, but the Scottish defence remained resolute. A deserved and solid win for a vibrant and energetic Scotland.

Teams

Scotland: Gibson, Docherty, Howard, Brown, Mukandi, Kerr, Weir, Watson (Cornet 66’), Emslie (Davidson 66’), Hanson (Napier 78’), Thomas (Hay 87’)

Unused subs: Fife, Cumings, Hill, Clark J, Smith, Robertson, McLauchlan, Muir

Australia: Arnold, Polkinghome, Vine, Fowler, Raso (Yallop 82’), Gorry, Carpenter (Nevin 62’), Grant, Cooney-Cross, Crummer (Chidiac 62’), Hunt

Subs: Williams, Micah, Whyman, Luik, Kerr, McNamara, Wheeler, Sayer