SCOTLAND’S best performance in three Cyprus Cup group matches, achieved without star player Kim Little, saw them deservedly beat fellow Euro 2017 qualifiers Austria 3-1 in Nicosia.
The win – the second in three group matches – was still not enough to take Anna Signeul’s side into tomorrow’s final. They were pipped by South Korea, who won Group B with seven points.
Lisa Evans signed off a satisfying second half with the third, and best, goal and she said: “I don’t score enough so to get one today was decent.”
“Obviously we like to have Kim playing but we showed the quality we have in the squad. The young ones have really stepped up.”
Hibs captain Joelle Murray was prominent in the opening 15 minutes. Her last minute tackle on Nicole Billa in the box had to be timed perfectly – and it was, with the ball being deflected wide.
The central defender then spurned a great chance at the other end. A corner delivered by Caroline Weir found her unmarked in front of goal, but her downward header from 12 yards just missed the target.
The first goal arrived on the hour and again Murray was involved. She sent in a free kick which was collected by Jane Ross just outside the box and she sent a low shot into the corner beyond Manuela Zinsberger.
Signeul sent Shannon Lynn on for Gemma Fay midway through the half and Austria equalised five minutes later throgh Billa.
Evans was pushed up front from midfield and the switch paid off with the second and third Scotland goals.
She might have scored the first herself but Zinsberger stuck out a leg and deflected her shot for a corner. From that Evans sent in a low cross which substitute Leanne Ross converted.
Austria were pushing hard for an equaliser when Lizzie Arnot got the ball and picked out Evans who sent a screamer over Zinsberger from 25 yards.
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