Heyman brace not enough as Australia fall 2-4 to Scotland

Two goals from second half substitute Michelle Heyman were not enough as Australia fell 2-4 to Scotland in their final group match of the Cyprus Cup.

Scotland went 3-0 up within 30 minutes with goals from Lisa Evans and a Jane Ross brace before Australia fought back with two goals either side of a Scotland fourth.

The match saw debuts for Newcastle Jets captain Gema Simon and Jets vice captain Hannah Brewer while forwards Chloe Logarzo and Hayley Raso earned their first starting XI berths for the Matildas.

As has been the case throughout the tournament, the Matildas started slowly with Scotland keeping Brianna Davey busy early.

Two minutes in Hayley Lauder earned an early corner for Scotland but Lisa Evans' cross was well met by the in form Davey.

Davey was again called into action in the 10th minute when Kim Little's cross was headed by Jennifer Beattie only to find the hands of the custodian.

In control, Scotland finally made the Matildas pay when Turbine Potsdam forward Evans finally found her way past Davey.

Finding themselves behind, Australia were stung into action with the Sydney FC midfield of Caitlin Foord, Nicola Bolger and Leena Khamis slowly working their way on top.

Despite controlling the general play, the Matildas didn't get a sight at the Scotland goals until the 26th minute as captain Kate Gill latched onto a cross only to head wide.

As with the last match against France, two goals in two minutes rocked Australia.

Ross scored her first on a quick counter from an Australian attack. A minute later a well weighted Little cross was beautifully controlled by Evans before the goalscorer fired at Davey.

The Australian shotstopper did well with an initial block but Ross slotted home the rebound.

Midfielder Lauder then turned up the pressure when she was in behind the defence only to fire over the crossbar.

Ross and Davey continued their duel late in the half when the striker had chances for her hattrick but the Melbourne Victory goalkeeper kept her at bay to leave Scotland 3-0 up at the break.

Second half substitutions saw Brisbane Roar duo Laura Alleway and Katrina Gorry enter the match but Scotland continued to pepper the Australian goal.

Evans was again involved in the Scottish attack first with an effort just over the bar and then to deliver a cross to Emma Mitchell who also volleyed over the woodwork in the 50th minute.

Playing in an unfamiliar central midfield role, Caitlin Foord started to find her feet in the second half forcing a save from Gemma Fay in the 63rd minute.

A minute later, after Heyman entered the game, Australia pulled one back as the Canberra United striker slipped the Scottish defence for a controversial goal with the referee waving off the Assistant Referee's offside flag.

The controversy didn't effect the Scots for long as they added a fourth less than five minutes later with Ross completing her hattrick.

The match continued to see-saw as the midfields battled to gain the ascendancy.

Heyman's second goal had no controversy attached as the forward beat Fay with a low driving strike to give the Matildas some hope late.

Despite both teams pressing, the match ended when Kim Carroll was sent off in stoppage time with Scotland holding on a big win.

Australia next face Italy in the Cyprus Cup 7th place match on 13 March 2014. Kick off is 12.30am (AEDST).

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Australia 2 (Heyman 64’/74’

Scotland 4 (Evans 14’, J Ross 29’/30’/70’)

Venue: GSP Stadium

Kick Off: 5.30pm (local time) / 2.30am (AEDST)

Matildas Starting XI: Brianna Davey (gk), Hannah Brewer (debut cap 189), Emma Checker (Laura Alleway 46’), Kim Carroll, Gema Simon (debut cap 190), Caitlin Foord (Elise Kellond-Knight 80’), Nicola Bolger, Leena Khamis (Michelle Heyman 54’), Hayley Raso (Emily Van Egmond 30’), Chloe Logarzo (Katrina Gorry 46’), Kathryn Gill

Yellow Card(s): Kim Carrol 28’/91’+

Red Card(s): Kim Carrol 91’+

Scotland Starting XI: Gemma Fay, Emma Mitchell, Ifeoma Dieke, Leanne Ross, Hayley Lauder, Kim Little, Jennifer Beattie, Lisa Evans, Jane Ross, Rachel Corsie, Frankie Brown

Stats: Australia / Scotland

Possession: 44% / 56%

Corner: 3/6

Free Kicks: 16/20

Shots On Target: 3/10

Shots Off Target: 3/5