Fourth loss in five games for Scotland Women

SCOTLAND Women fell to their fourth defeat in five games with a 2-0 loss to Portugal in Larnaca yesterday.

A Scotland mistake led to Portugal’s opening goal in the first half before they sealed their victory in added time through Fatima Pinto for a second win over Scotland in European Championship Qualifying Group E.

Portugal took the lead in the 27th minute when goalkeeper Jenna Fife was put under pressure from a Rachel Corsie back pass. The shot-stopper then tried to clear the ball but it rebounded off Ana Capeta and went into the back of the net.

The home side came close to an equaliser just before half-time when Martha Thomas was played in by Claire Emslie, but the 24-year-old was unable to get the decisive touch to take the ball past the goalkeeper.

Scotland put the pressure on in the second half, and limited Portugal’s opportunities with the ball but could not convert their possession into clear-cut chances.

With just over 10 minutes remaining, Manchester City’s Caroline Weir had a corner punched away, with Jen Beattie heading wide from the second attempt after the ball was put back into the box.

In added time Beattie was unable to head clear, and the ball fell to Pinto who fired it in for her side’s second.

Meanwhile, Ellen White struck a hat-trick as England Women marked Hege Riise’s first game in temporary charge with a 6-0 demolition of Northern Ireland in a closed-doors friendly at St George’s Park.

White struck in the 18th and 23rd minutes before completing her treble in the 48th minute. Lucy Bronze found the net for in the 29th minute.

The Lionesses netted their fifth in the 67th minute when Rachel Daly beat a defender before putting the ball in.

Ella Toone scored on her England debut, placing the ball into the bottom corner from the penalty spot after Chloe Kelly was brought down in the box.