Ukraine 0-3 Scotland
Wednesday 4 March 2020
Pinatar Cup
Pinatar Arena
Scotland: Martha Thomas (22, 72), Claire Emslie (77)
Scotland recorded a comfortable 3-0 win over Ukraine in their first match of the Pinatar Cup with Martha Thomas scoring two on her debut.
The West Ham striker hit the net in both halves with Claire Emslie notching Scotland's third ahead of Saturday's match against Iceland.
Caroline Weir donned the captain’s armband for the first time with Martha Thomas also making her long awaited debut for Scotland.
In their first encounter since 2008, Scotland started well with Emslie being denied after seven minutes on the clock.
Jane Ross then tested the Ukraine goalkeeper after 19 minutes but failed to find the corner of the goal.
With 22 minutes gone, Martha Thomas scored on her Scotland debut. Born in Dorest, the West Ham United striker qualifies for her country through her Mother.
Thomas ran on to a long ball and took advantage of a defensive error to slot home and give her side the lead.
Ukraine were close to equalising just moments later but Jenna Fife was on hand to touch the ball round the post.
With more than half an hour played Thomas had a chance to make it two but saw her thundering strike blocked by the goalkeeper.
In the second half, Hannah Godfrey nodded by the post at the back stick. At the other end the Tottenham Hotspur defender was resolute and made a decisive block as Ukraine looked threatening.
After 72 minutes, Martha Thomas made it two, taking a great first touch to take the ball by the defender before running clean through on goal and finishing low into the net.
Just five minutes later Claire Emslie made it three. The Orlando Pride winger was composed in front of goal following a pinpoint cross and she was able to pass calmly into the net.
Reaction
Martha Thomas said: "I'm really pleased to play and score the two goals. I wasn't expecting it but I'm really happy to contribute to a win on my first cap.
"All of my teammates have been really welcoming this week so to come in and not feel out of place was a good feeling. It's nice to be here.
"We kept the ball well at times and tried to finish the chances when they came.
"I'm half Scottish and the whole of my Mum's side of the family is very Scottish so I'm very proud to put on the shirt and represent the country.
"My Mum, Dad and Gran came to the game which was really nice and I was so happy to have them in the crowd for my debut.
"I want to play for Scotland as much as possible and do everything I can to get us to major tournaments.
"This team is fantastic and we have the talent to do well at major tournaments so I'm looking forward to the future."
What’s next?
Scotland will play Iceland on Saturday, who defeated Northern Ireland 1-0.
The following fixtures remain to be played with the Scotland games set to be shown live on BBC ALBA.
Saturday, 7 March 2020
Scotland v Iceland
Kick-off 2pm (UK time)
Pinatar Arena
Live on BBC ALBA
Saturday, 7 March 2020
Ukraine v Northern Ireland
Kick-off 6pm (UK time)
Pinatar Arena
Tuesday, 10 March 2020
Iceland v Ukraine
Kick-off 2pm (UK time)
Pinatar Arena
Tuesday, 10 March 2020
Northern Ireland v Scotland
Kick-off 7.30 pm (UK time)
Pinatar Arena
Live on BBC ALBA
Team
Scotland: Fife, Smith (Boyle, 60), Lauder, Howard, Godfrey, Weir (C), Graham, Emslie, Arnot (Grant, 60), Ross (C Murray, 60), Thomas (Kerr, 77)
Unused substitutes: Lynn, Mitchell, Corsie