Schools football: Scotland U-15 demolish England

Scotland’s triumphant Lloyds TSB Scotland Under-15 Girls’ International Squad finished off a brilliant season with an emphatic 5-0 victory over England at Toryglen in Glasgow.

Recent winners of the Bob Docherty tournament in Belfast, the Scots were aiming to complete the magnificent season with a second win in as many months over the Auld Enemy.

A huge crowd packed into Toryglen’s indoor arena and they were rewarded with an excellent home display, including a hat-trick by Grove Academy’s Amy Gallacher.

Scotland began the match in confident mood and their early dominance paid off in the ninth minute when Banff Academy’s Donna Paterson unleashed an unstoppable drive from fully 35 yards which sailed over Jessica Lewandowski in the England goal.

Scotland extended their advantage five minutes later with another impressive strike by winger Chantelle Brown (Larkhall Academy) whose effort came crashing off the underside of the bar but was deemed to have crossed the line by referee Kylie McMullan.

Amy notched her first three minutes into the second half, tapping in from close range after replacement goalkeeper Chloe Beattie had spilled Chantelle’s initial effort.

In 45 minutes, Amy scored her second and Scotland’s fourth when another shot was deflected into her path. She then completed a 20-minute hat-trick, slotting home after great build-up play down the left flank by the ever-willing Alyshia Walker.

The 5-0 scoreline was a deserved result for Scotland’s enterprising display and a fitting way to end a memorable season for the squad. Afterwards, the players’ achievements were recognised at a special cap presentation ceremony at Hampden Stadium with Lloyds TSB Scotland’s Thomas Marshall.

SQUAD: Chantelle Brown (Larkhall Academy), Chelsea Cornet (Beeslack High School), Cassie Cowper (Kincorth Academy), Erin Cuthbert (Greenwood Academy), Becky Flaherty (Banchory Academy), Amy Gallacher (Morgan Academy), Laura Hamilton (Gleniffer High School), Samantha Kerr (Graeme High School), Amy Lynch (Currie High School), Jade McLaren (Madras College), Cailin Michie (Boroughmuir High School), Donna Paterson (Banff Academy), Katie Rice (St.Ninian’s High School), Rachel Ross (Greenfaulds High School), Jamie-Lee Smith (Trinity Academy), Sophie Sweeney (Bishopbriggs Academy), Alyshia Walker (Bathgate Academy), Courtney Whyte (St.Roch’s High School)