Aussie title celebrations missed as Emslie joined rush for flight home

Scrambling is a word that would commonly be used to describe opposing full-backs after Claire Emslie has left them in the dust with her elusive and explosive wing play, but it was the Scottish international who was left in a frantic state as she desperately tried to return home amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Edinburgh-born attacker spent the last few months in Australia on loan at Melbourne City from US club

Orlando Pride – a highly successful move, as she helped City to their first A-league Grand Final triumph in four years. This included a goal in the 5-1 semi-final destruction of Western Sydney.

Overall, the 26-year-old, inset, netted five times in 12 games Down Under as City also picked up the league title.

In the final match they faced Sydney for the ultimate prize. Due to rising restrictions, the showcase fixture had to be played behind closed doors, but City triumphed thanks to a 15th minute goal by Stephanie Catley.

Immediately after the final, Emslie threw herself into a bid to return home before flights were cancelled. Only now is she getting the chance to saviour her success.

“After the game I had a lot of mixed emotions as I was delighted to win the game but also absolutely desperate to get back to Manchester before everything went into lockdown and flights were cancelled,” she told the Scottish FA website.

“I was drug tested straight after the game so I missed a lot of the celebrations which was unfortunate.

“I then went straight from the game to the airport for the big journey home. I had to rush about various airports but now I’m back, I can properly relax and reflect.

“There was a lot of uncertainty in the build-up to the final about whether we’d be able to get home as the situation is obviously worsening across the world. The virus hadn’t really hit Australia until recently but the situation began to change rapidly and we had to play behind closed doors.

“I feel incredibly grateful to have managed to get back home OK.”

Although the final moments may have been a bit stressful, Emslie only has good things to say about her experience in Australia while the US league was in off-season. “Melbourne is a great club with amazing people, in a lovely city,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve enjoyed football as much in a while.

“It was a big deal for the club to win the trophy as this was their fourth time lifting it and I wanted to finish the season on a high after an enjoyable few months in Australia.”

Emslie will remain in Manchester, awaiting further instructions from Orlando’s English manager Marc Skinner, but added: “For the next wee while I’ll just be resting, to recover from the season, and get over the jet lag.”