International Challenge Match
Scotland 1-0 Republic of Ireland
Friday, 7 July 2017, kick-off 7.30pm
Stark's Park, Kirkcaldy

Scotland: Christie Murray (85)

In Scotland’s last match before Euro 2017 they snatched a late goal to run out 1-0 winners over Republic of Ireland.

Christie Murray came off the bench to notch with her head from a delightful Erin Cuthbert cross.

It was a special night at Stark’s Park as Gemma Fay made her 200th appearance for her country following an international career that has spanned 19 years.

It was also Anna Signeul’s last match in Scotland following 12 years in charge of the national team.

Erin Cuthbert was given a starting berth after being a named substitute in the previous two games and Vaila Barsley was again utilised in the centre of defence and put in a Player of the Match display.

Fiona Brown was employed on the left wing and carved out Scotland’s best first half opportunity when she fizzed the ball narrowly over the bar from distance.

Shortly afterwards defender Vaila Barsley went close with a header. On her fourth appearance for Scotland, the towering centre back looked composed and swept up any danger at the back.

As the half drew to a close, Erin Cuthbert went closest for Scotland with a powerful header which drew a diving save from Hourihan who was forced to punch clear.

At the break the scores were goalless.

After 70 minutes substitute Lana Clelland wrong footed a defender and put the ball on a plate to Erin Cuthbert but the Chelsea midfielder was unable to hit the target.

As the half progressed, Anna Signeul rang the changes with Christie Murray one of the substitutes to come off the bench.

With 85 minutes on the clock she scored the decisive goal as Cuthbert delivered a sumptuous ball for Murray to nod expertly into the back of the net.

Scotland will now fly out to the Netherlands on Tuesday ahead of their first game of Euro 2017 against England on Wednesday 19 July.

Scotland | Fay, Barsely, Dieke (J Murray, 45), Lauder (Arthur, 76), Frankie Brown (McLauchlan, 45), Weir, Crichton, Cuthbert, L Ross (Howard, 60), Fiona Brown (Clelland, 60), J Ross (C Murray, 79)

Unused substitutes: Lynn, Alexander, Love, Evans, Corsie, Smith

Attendance: 1,960