Scots fail to make dominance count in Euro qualifier

SCOTLAND slipped to their first defeat since last year’s World Cup as Finland got the better of Shelley Kerr’s side in Helsinki.

Scotland had the better of the European Championship qualifier and went closest to equalising when Jane Ross hit the post late on, but there was no reward for their dominance and the defeat means they now sit four points behind Group E leaders Finland.

Scotland controlled exchanges from the off and saw an early penalty appeal turned away when Martha Thomas appeared to have been fouled in the box. However, with nothing coming from the referee, Erin Cuthbert tried her luck but saw her effort turned away by Tinja- Riikka Korpela.

Scotland’s dominance of the ball continued but they struggled to convert that into chances until Cuthbert sent an effort wide moments before the half- time whistle. The hosts had little to shout about in front of goal, Ria Oling’s tame effort their only true effort.

Coached by former Scotland manager Anna Signeul, Finland started the second period brighter than they had been in the first. Sanni Franssi called Lee Alexander into action with a driven effort soon after the restart which was tipped over the bar.

And from the resulting corner the home side would break the deadlock. After Lizzie Arnot cleared Natalia Kuikka’s header off the line, Summanen was on hand to convert the rebound. Scotland pushed for an equaliser that their performance more than merited, but it never arrived.

Leanne Crichton and Emma Mitchell both forced good saves from the busy Korpela before the end of play.

The best chance would fall to Ross however, who rose well to meet the cross of Mitchell but her glancing header clipped the goal frame on its way behind.