Disastrous two minutes cost Irish victory

A disastrous two minutes late in the game spoiled what was an otherwise spirited Irish performance, as Sue Ronan's side lost 2-1 away to Scotland.

After leading for 85 minutes, goals from Rhonda Jones and substitute Christie Murray for Scotland mean that Ireland go away from Tynecastle with no points to show for their effort. 

Cork captain Denise O'Sullivan had given the girls in green the lead after just four minutes. Megan Campbell drafted in a free-kick, after Rhonda Jones fouled Shannon Smyth. O'Sullivan headed powerfully past Scottish captain Gemma Fay for the goal.

Ireland held out well after that, despite near-constant Scottish pressure. Kim Little tested her Arsenal teammate Emma Byrne in the Irish goal just before half time, but Byrne was equal to it. The pair duelled again after half-time, when Little had a penalty saved. After Aine O'Gorman handballed in the Irish penalty area, but Byrne was again the saviour for Ireland.

She had to make subsequent saves from Christie Murray, Jane Ross and Lisa Evans, amongst others. It began to look increasingly likely that a Scottish goal was on the way. Then, just when it looked like Ireland might somehow hold their lead, two came at once.

The Scottish right-back Rhonda Jones got the first on 86 minutes- heading in from a Leanne Ross corner. That goal, which looked like it would give Scotland a point- meaning that Ireland would still be second in the group.

But just a minute later, Murray broke Irish hearts by hitting a fine looping winner from distance. Scotland now leapfrog Ireland into second place in the group behind runaway leaders France. With just a point now separating the two sides, the next round of games becomes crucial for both. 

Next up for Scotland is bottom-placed Israel, while Ireland host Wales- who are themselves now just two points off Ireland. Five days later on June 21st, Ireland host Scotland in what is sure to be a massive game. 

For now at least, though, it's advantage Scotland in this qualification battle.

Scotland: Gemma Fay (c); Rhonda Jones, Rachael Small, Ifeoma Dieke, Joanne Love [Christie Murray '61]; Hayley Lauder [Lisa Evans '64], Kim Little; Jane Ross, Rachel Corsie; Megan Sneddon, Suzanne Grant [Leanne Ross '11]. Subs Not Used: Shannon Lynn, Emma Fernon, Frankie Brown, Joelle Murray.

Yellow Cards: None.

Ireland: Emma Byrne; Sophie Perry, Shannon McDonnell, Megan Campbell, Louise Quinn; Niamh Fahey, Ciara Grant (c), Aine O'Gorman, Shannon Smyth [Ruesha Littlejohn '88]; Julie-Ann Russell [Michelle O'Brien '59], Denise O'Sullivan [Fiona O'Sullivan '74]. Subs Not Used: Eve Badana, Yvonne Tracy, Diane Caldwell, Marie Curtin.

Yellow Cards: Emma Byrne, Sophie Perry, Megan Campbell, Niamh Fahey.

Referee:  Katalin Kulcsár (Hungary) 

Attendance: 1,703.