Shelley Kerr’s reign as Scotland head coach kicked-off with a 3-0 victory in Hungary, thanks to goals from Lana Clelland, Claire Emslie and Jane Ross.
Two first-half strikes put Scotland in charge and although Jane Ross added a third in the second period, the scoreline could have been much higher but for some spurned opportunities, says scottishfa.co.uk
The win was ideal preparation for the World Cup Qualifiers beginning away from home against Belarus on Thursday, 19 October.
Lee Alexander made her first appearance for the national team in between the sticks with Rachel Corsie partnering Joelle Murray in the heart of defence.
Up front Lana Clelland led the attack, supported by Jane Ross, Fiona Brown and Claire Emslie.
Within minutes of the game starting, Scotland asserted their dominance and were within inches of going ahead through a Rachel Corsie shot at the back post from a corner.
After 15 minutes Scotland took the lead from a corner when Emslie found Lana Clelland who took advantage of a goalkeeping error to put Scotland in front.
Hungary responded quickly though and hit the crossbar from outside the box through Wolfsburg striker Zsnanett.
Just before the half hour mark, Claire Emslie scored her first goal for Scotland through a scorching drive from the edge of the area, sparking wild celebrations from the Manchester City winger.
Moments later Lana Clelland cut inside and forced a strong save from the goalkeeper.
The Tavagnacco striker was a livewire in the first half and could have scored her second when a delightful Caroline Weir cross found Clelland but she hit the ball into the goalkeeper’s arms.
At the break, Rachael Small made her first Scotland appearance in more than four years with Lucy Graham making her Scotland debut shortly after.
20-year-old Graham from Hibernian nearly capped off her first appearance in sensational style when she unleashed a fierce drive from the edge of the box but saw the ball rattle the crossbar.
As the game edged to a close, Scotland continued to control proceedings and were presented with another chance after 85 minutes when a dinked cross was lashed over from close range by Caroline Weir.
Lisa Evans also laid the ball on a plate for Christie Murray who saw her close range shot saved.
Scotland then did grab a deserved third when Jane Ross was sent clean through on goal and slotted into the net with a typically composed finish, scoring her 51st goal for her country.
After the match, first-time goalscorer Claire Emslie said: “I was really happy to be involved with the squad first of all so to start and score my first goal for Scotland was excellent.
“Regarding my goal, it was good build up play and I was just hanging out wide anticipating the ball so when it came to me I just focused on striking it well and fortunately I did and it hit the net.
“It’s been an enjoyable week away with the squad, working with Shelley Kerr. She is really focused, straight talking with a lot big plans that all the players want to be part of.”
Scotland: Alexander (Lynn, 61), Arthur (Small, 45), Lauder, Corsie, J Murray (Howard, 45), Love (Graham, 51), Emslie, Weir, Clelland (Evans, 77), Ross, Fiona Brown (C Murray, 45)
Unused substitutes: Cunningham, Barsley, Frankie Brown, Crichton, Smith
Caution: Caroline Weir (74)
Photo – scottishfa.co.uk
