Three was the number as Scotland women made it three wins from three with a 3-0 victory over Wales at Peffermill.
It was an end to end opening to the contest with both sides looking to assert themselves on the match. Scotland, however, would be the team to come out on top of the opening exchanges. The deadlock was broken after great work by Fran Lonergan saw her get a shot away despite being surrounded by red shirts, and the rebound was forced home by a diving Bronwyn Shields for 1-0.
In the second quarter Scotland took a firm grip of the game. First, Katie Birch crashed a penalty corner strike off the bottom left post before Ava Wadsworth’s rebound pinged just wide of right post.
Then it was Lonergan’s turn to strike from a penalty corner but her effort fizzed just wide of the left post.
Scotland’s second goal soon arrived and a penalty corner effort by Katie Birch fell kindly on the rebound for Mhairi Low who swept the ball home for 2-0.
After half time Scotland’s hunt for more goals was relentless. Heather McEwan was denied when a near post shot was padded away; and later a lovely Ruth Blaikie pass found Low, but she flicked wide of right post from a tight angle.
The deserved third goal for Scotland arrived in the final quarter. A sensational run by Wadsworth saw her twisting and turning in the circle before she slid the ball low against the backboard for 3-0.
It was almost 4-0 when Fiona Burnet instinctively pounced on a loose ball in the Welsh circle but it was well blocked by the advancing goalkeeper.
Wales hit the post with a late penalty corner but there would be no further goals and Scotland scooped a clean sweep in the three-match series.
Captain Fiona Burnet said, On the back of Chile where we won our last two games, then to back that up with these three wins – that’s five from five essentially, so we’re just trying to make winning a habit now and we’re really pleased with the performance. It’s been great this weekend to see lots of younger players step up and take the opportunity to play, and for senior players to take a more leadership role.
“This summer is busy, but it’ll be great. The Euros will obviously be a step up going up against some of the top teams in Europe. We train hard so we’re feeling confident moving forward.”
