Scots finish fifth after win on pens

Despite starting with what amounted to a reserve side, Scotland got the better of Wales in a penalty shoot out to end their Cyprus Cup campaign in fifth place.

Six first team players weren’t considered for selection because of injury, and four more were on the bench. Two of them, Jane Ross and Lisa Evans, came on in the second half and, from then on, their side dominated.

Both side had chances to win the game in regulation time, but despite being denied her 50th Scotland goal in a tournament which brought up her century of caps, Ross was unperturbed.

“My focus isn’t on getting the 50 goals. For me it’s the progress of the team and winning matches that matters. Although we would have liked to win other than penalties, the experience is something that’s good to have under our belts ahead of the Euros.”

The first half was dull with both sides playing their fourth game in eight days and the pitch in poor condition.

Scotland hit yet more injury trouble as Hibs captain Joelle Murray went down early on and was replaced by Frankie Brown.

The introduction of Ross and Evans made a huge difference and both had good chances to win the game.

It looked as if the Scots had gone ahead midway through the half, but Hungarian referee Ezster Urban decided Evans’ shot hadn’t crossed the line after hitting the bar.

Ross and Evans stepped up to convert Scotland’s first two penalties, with Lizzie Arnot and Leanne Crichton doing the same. With the count at 4-4 Shannon Lynn made a great save but Laura O’sullivan did the same from Caroline Weir.

Fiona Brown made it 5-5 and her namesake Frankie Brown 6-5 after Wales failed to hit the target with their seventh effort.