Scotland U15s edged out by Celtic in final warm-up game

Scotland Under 15s' third game of the friendlies campaign was a narrow 1-0 defeat by a strong Celtic Ladies Under-17 team at Toryglen in Glasgow.

Scotland kept faith with the team that had finished so well against Rangers the last time out and, though Celtic had the edge in the early exchanges, Scotland produced the first two clear chances. Aisha Maughan sent a free-kick into a very dangerous area and Chelsea McEachran’s powerful header just went over the bar. Then Hannah Scott and Rosie McQuillan both had shots well saved by Celtic keeper Kendall Welsh and the first period ended without a goal.

At the start of the second period Celtic snatched the lead when a powerful free-kick was deemed to have crossed the line despite goalkeeper Aaliyah Jay Meach’s diving effort.

Scotland’s best chance followed shortly when Aisha Maughan made a great run on the right and delivered an inviting cross towards Philippa McCallum who was arriving at the back post. Unfortunately on this occasion she pulled her right-foot shot agonisingly wide of the target.

During the rest of the second period, Kendall Welsh make a string of fine saves from the Scotland attackers, the best of which was a fingertip save on to the post from a powerful netbound free-kick by Karsey McGlinchey.

The game ended with both teams going forward. It was an excellent run-out for the young Scots who next face full internationals against the Republic of Ireland and 
Wales in the Bob Docherty tournament.

A warm weather training camp in Jersey this month is next on the preparation list.