SCOTLAND WOMEN NARROWLY BEATEN BY UKRAINE

Wednesday 30th. May 2007

Scotland Women lost 2-1 to Ukraine in Mariupol tonight in their 2nd UEFA Qualfication Match for Euro 2009.

Natalia Zinchenko scored to put Ukraine ahead just before half time and Tetyana Chorno was the other scorer for the home side in the 67th minute. Scotland immediately replied in the form of a Julie Fleeting header in the 68th minute but could not find an equaliser.

Scotland dominated a large proportion of the game and Julie Fleeting had a goal controversially disallowed in the 1st half. Scoland's best chance in the 2nd half came late on when young star, Kim Little, faced the opposing goalkeeper in a one on one situation and was brought down.

This result sends Ukraine to the top of the group and Scotland into 3rd equal with Portugal with whom they drew at home on 6 May. The next match for Scotland Women's A Squad is a Friendly against Belgium on Sunday 26 August at McDiarmid Park.

Scotland: Gemma Fay, Rhonda Jones, Ifeoma Dieke, Michelle Kerr, Leanne Ross, Joanne Love, Amanda Burns (Stacey Cook 77), Megan Sneddon, Kim Little, Julie Fleeting, Pauline Hamill (Suzanne Grant 78)

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It’s all a pain in Ukraine for Scots

SCOTLAND were left disappointed again last night as they crashed 2-1 in Ukraine in the second game of their Euro 2009 qualification campaign. The result in Mariupol was a bitter blow to Anna Signeul and her team and means they only have one point out of a possible six.

Scotland's point came from a goalless draw at home to Portugal earlier this month and, to make matters worse, our women dominated the game with Portugal and last night in Ukraine but are left with a very disappointing start to their campaign. Glasgow City midfielder Megan Sneddon summed up the mood of the camp, saying: "We are all feeling pretty down right now. "Once again we played well and totally dominated for large spells. To be leaving here with no points is very hard to take."

Scotland's goal came from who else but captain Julie Fleeting, of Arsenal, but it was not enough to secure the desired victory. Questions were asked of the referee as 16-year-old Kim Little was brought down in the penalty box with no spot-kick awarded. Similarly, many onlookers felt the Ukraine keeper should have been sent off for handling outside her box in another incident.

But the one bright spot was again the performance of Hibs star Little. In only her second start for the senior side, as in her debut at home to Portugal, the talented youngster was voted player of the match. It was an outstanding performance for one so young and Scotland will hope her undoubted talent continues to develop into the makings of a true world class player.

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SCOTLAND WOMEN TRAVEL TO UKRAINE FOR EURO 2009 QUALIFIER

Friday, 25 May 2007

Scotland Women begin their long journey to the Ukraine on Sunday for the 2nd match in the Euro 2009 Qualification Campaign. They take on Ukraine in Mariupol on Wednesday 30 May at 7pm local time.

Scotland are in Group 5 along with Slovakia, Ukraine and Denmark. Their first match at home against Portugal on 6 May ended in a 0-0 draw. Scotland will be looking to improve on this result after having had the majority of pressure and possession against Portugal.

Scotland and Ukraine met in May 2003 where Scotland won 5-1 at home and in April 2004 where they lost 1-0 away in the Qualifying Rounds for Euro 2005. Ukraine currently sit top of the group at this early stage after a convincing 4-0 away win over Slovakia on 9 May.

The squad is as follows:

Player Club

Gemma Fay Leeds United LFC
Claire Johnstone Hamilton Academical LFC
Julie Ferguson Hibernian LFC
Ifeoma Dieke Qbik
Rhonda Jones Florida Atlantic University
Michelle Kerr Hibernian LFC
Amy McDonald FC Kilmarnock
Leanne Ross Newburgh LFC
Jayne Sommerville Glasgow City LFC
Denise Brolly Florida Atlantic University
Amanda Burns Hibernian LFC
Stacey Cook Hibernian LFC
Kim Little Hibernian LFC
Joanne Love Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC
Kirsty McBride Hibernian LFC
Megan Sneddon Glasgow City LFC
Julie Fleeting Arsenal LFC
Suzanne Grant Hibernian LFC
Pauline Hamill Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC
Suzanne Malone Hamilton Academical LFC

Stand-By
The following players are on stand-by: -

Joanna Hutcheson Aberdeen LFC
Suzanne Robertson Hibernian LFC
Suzanne Lappin Glasgow City LFC