Women's football: Scotland thrash Northern Ireland in friendly in Belfast
Sunday 8 February 2015 17:39, UK
Jane Ross and Caroline Weir both scored twice as Scotland Women claimed a comfortable 4-0 friendly win over Northern Ireland on Sunday.
Ross, who plays in the Swedish league for Vittsjo GIK, fired the visitors to Belfast into an early lead with a shot that bounced off both posts before crossing the line.
Arsenal's Weir bagged a goal either side of half-time to put the game beyond Northern Ireland, who struggled to create chances, before Ross wrapped it up 15 minutes from time.
Scotland head coach Anna Signeul handed Glasgow City's Fiona Brown a debut at Solitude, and she was influential in the build-up to Ross’ opener.
Avilla Bergin came close to pulling one back for the hosts with a cross-shot towards goal that was scrambled clear, after Weir had beaten Emma Higgins for Scotland’s second just before half-time.
Weir's second was a screamer – a brilliant long-range effort into the top corner – that left the hosts reeling.
Scotland were further buoyed by the introduction of Julie Fleeting as a second-half substitute following more than a three-year absence from the side since August 2011.
And Ross bagged her second in fine style on 75 minutes with another excellent long-range effort that beat Higgins.
