DESPITE starting with what amounted to a reserve side, Scotland got the better of Wales in a penalty shoot-out to end their Cyprus Cup campaign on a winning note.
Six first team players weren't considered for selection because of injury, and four more started on the bench. Two of them, Jane Ross and Lisa Evans, came on in the second half and from then on their side dominated.
Both had chances to win the game in regulation time, but despite being denied her 50th Scotland goal for Scotland in a tournament which brought up her century of caps, Ross was unperturbed.
“My focus isn't on getting the 50 goals although of course it would be a great achievement if I get there,” the Manchester City striker said. “For me it's the progress of the team and winning matches that matters.
“We've got a really good depth to the squad and every player who has had game time in the tournament has done really well. There is strong competition for places and that's encouraging to see.
“Although we would have liked to win other than penalties, the experience is something that's good to have under our belts ahead of the Euros.”
The first half was a dull affair. Both sides were playing their fourth game in eight days and the pitch was in poor condition on a hot afternoon in Paralimni.
Scotland hit yet more injury trouble in a forgettable first half. Hibs captain Joelle Murray went down early on and was eventually replaced by Frankie Brown.
The introduction of Ross and Evans made a huge difference and both had good chances to win the game.
It looked as if the Scots had gone ahead midway through the half, but Hungarian referee Ezster Urban decided Evans' shot hadn't crossed the line after hitting the bar. Ross, following up, had her effort blocked.
“I couldn't say if it crossed the line to be honest,” Ross said. “From my angle I wasn't certain and as I didn't hear the whistle I continued to play on.”
Ross and Evans stepped up to covnert Scotland's first two penalties, with Lizzie Arnot and Leanne Crichton doing the same. With the count at 4-4 Shannon Lynn made a great save but Laura O'Sullivan did the same from Caroline Weir.
Fiona Brown made it 5-5 and her namesake Frankie Brown 6-5 after Wales failed to hit the target with their seventh effort.
Scotland finished fifth in the tournament with two wins, a draw and one defeat.
At the Takos Marko Stadium, Paralimni
Scotland 0 Wales 0
(half-time 0-0)
Scotland win 6-5 on penalties
Scotland (4-4-2): Lynn; McLauchlan, J Murray (Fr Brown 32), Dieke, Smith; L Ross (Fi Brown 80), Weir, Crichton, Arnot; Cuthbert (J Ross 46), C Murray (Evans 57)
Yellow card: McLauchlan
Referee: E Urban (Hun)
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