Scots grab chance to impress

New head coach Jen Wilson got off to a good start in Cardiff when Scotland’s revamped squad shaded the overall result from a doubleheader of friendlies with Wales.

Boosted by a strong start, Sunday’s unfamiliar line-up quickly settled to their task to go 1-0 up from a slick move that ended with Fiona Burnet nicking an early poacher’s goal.

Scotland’s domination continued but an excellent performance from the home keeper denied them until Millie Brown’s fast reactions put them 2-0 up from a smartly-worked set-piece. Wales got on the scoresheet when a penalty corner resulted in a late consolation.

Wilson opted to make 10 personnel changes for yesterday’s rematch which ended all square at 1-1.

This time it was a recovery operation after the hosts took the lead after a double rebound.

Creative play from the Tartan Hearts engineered chances throughout but the cutting edge was missing, and with eight minutes left the brave decision to withdraw the keeper in favour of an additional outfield player was rewarded when skipper Kaz Cuthbert smuggled the ball over the line in the final minute.

Wilson said: “I’m very pleased with what I saw.

“The players achieved all the objectives I set for the match and to be achieving the things we are at this early stage is very exciting. Some of the players haven’t played much together but looked really good.

“We played 29 players over the two matches and this shows the depth and quality we have in the squad.

“It’s very competitive and there’s a lot of really good options within the squad. I’m very excited to see the team develop.”