 | Nearing her century |
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Arsenal's Julie Fleeting took her international record to 93 goals in 86 games as Scotland's women beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in their fifth 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying campaign match in Dublin last night. Scotland are now in third place. The first half ended goalless after ‘keeper Gemma Fay made two excellent saves in the first 15 minutes. Just on the stroke of half-time captain Julie Fleeting shot just wide of the Republic of Ireland goal.
Scotland opened their account in the 47th minute through a well taken goal by Joanne Love. The move which led to the goal started deep in Scotland's half with some excellent build up play involving Love herself, Nicky Grant, Julie Smith, Suzanne Grant and then finally Julie Fleeting who set up Love with a 1 v 1 on the goalkeeper which the young player coolly slotted into the net. It was a fine reward fro a player who had postponed an exam at Paisley College to play for her country. The second goal came in the 85th minute when Nicky Grant played a through ball to Julie Fleeting which saw her round Arsenal ‘keeper and team-mate Emma Byrne and side-foot the ball into the empty net.
Scotland nearly got a third goal in the in the dying minutes of the game. They were awarded a free kick wide just outside the Irish box and Kirsty McBride crossed the ball for an incoming Fleeting. Her powerful header was heading toward the Irish goal but Byrne managed push the ball onto the bar.
This sets Scotland's women up nicely for their next game against second placed Russia at McDiarmid Park, Perth on 24 May 2006 with a 7pm kick-off.
