Scotland 1-0 Australia: Nicola Docherty’s stunning shot seals Scots shock win over Australia in pre-World Cup friendlies…while Matildas’ decision to keep captain Sam Kerr on the bench backfires
- Australia lost 1-0 to Scotland in international friendly in London
- Nicola Docherty scored the only goal of the match
- The Matildas face England at Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday night
Australia suffered a minor blow in World Cup preparations when Nicola Docherty’s stunning shot gave Scotland a 1-0 victory in Friday’s friendly.
The Aussies missed several chances to equalise, hitting the crossbar twice after Docherty put the Scots ahead just after the break.
Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson will not be too concerned as his side were in good form prior to this defeat at AFC Wimbledon’s Plow Lane.
This will also not be the team that plays against England next Tuesday or indeed for the opening game of the World Cup.
Australia were without injured Arsenal duo Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley and Manchester City defender Alanna Kennedy.
Nicola Docherty (center) celebrates the winning goal against Australia on Friday
The shock loss to Scotland is a minor blow to Australia’s World Cup preparations
Australia missed some good chances to equalize after Docherty’s goal
While Scotland’s Sam Kerr started in midfield, Australia’s Sam Kerr was only named as a substitute and did not come off the bench.
Their captaincy will be key this summer but will have a hectic end to the season at Chelsea and it was no surprise that the striker was rested for a tough test against the Lionesses next week.
For Scotland boss Pedro Losa, this was a useful opportunity to experiment with youth and experience – with rewarding results.
Real Madrid star Caroline Weir started alongside 17-year-old debutant Emma Watson, who is likely to join Manchester United from Rangers this summer.
Watson was impressive and didn’t seem out of place next to her older teammates.
It was the Scots who had the best chances for a quiet first half.
Martha Thomas forced a save from Mackenzie Arnold before sending a volley just over the bar. Kerr then saw a bet fly just wide of the left post.
It was after half time when the game came to life as Docherty produced a magical moment to put Scotland ahead a minute after the restart.
Thomas played a short corner in the path of Docherty, who let go with her weaker foot.
The ball flew over Arnold and into the back of the net, hitting the inside of the post on its way in.
Australia reacted well to being behind and had three good chances to equalize in the next 10 minutes.
Cortnee Vine hit the crossbar with a fierce shot from just inside the box before Scotland goalkeeper Lee Gibson made a superb 1v1 save to deny Mary Fowler.
Clare Hunt was next to hit the woodwork for the Matildas, hitting a shot that skimmed over the top of the crossbar before going over it.
Alex Chidiac then produced another fine stop from Gibson, who tipped her low shot around the post.
A fine counter-attack saw Scotland almost double their lead as Hanson fired on goal after a neat one-two with Weir, but Arnold managed to tip her effort just over the crossbar.