Kirsty Howat made a dream first start for Scotland, scoring two outstanding goals in a 3–2 victory over China, but the night ended on a worrying note as captain Erin Cuthbert was taken to hospital following a late head injury.
Cuthbert left the pitch on a stretcher and in a neck brace after a heavy collision in the closing stages.
“It happened very fast,” head coach Melissa Andreatta said afterward. “She’s on her way to hospital, and we’re waiting for updates.”
Scotland Respond After Difficult Yea
Andreatta had urged her squad to finish a disappointing year on a positive note, with Scotland having won just one of their previous nine matches. China, ranked nine places above Scotland, entered the match as favourites despite an 8–0 defeat to England days earlier.
But Scotland delivered a blistering start, scoring three times in four minutes to take control of the friendly marking just the second victory under Andreatta’s leadership.
Howat Shines With Two Brilliant Goals
Crystal Palace forward Kirsty Howat opened her international account in style, lifting a precise finish into the far corner after 11 minutes.
Only moments later, she turned provider, setting up Kirsty Hanson for Scotland’s second goal.
The highlight came just minutes afterward when Howat spotted goalkeeper Zhu Yu off her line and unleashed a stunning long-range strike to make it 3–0 by the 16th minute.
China responded before halftime as Zhang Linyan punished slack marking inside the area. Scotland then survived a sustained period of pressure late in the first half.
Missed Penalty and Nervy Finale
After the break, Scotland had a chance to restore their three-goal advantage when Howat stepped up for a penalty following a foul on Cuthbert. Her effort struck the post, and she fired the rebound over the bar, narrowly missing a hat-trick.
China pulled another goal back through a well-placed header from Zhang Rui, setting up a tense finish. Huo Yuexin came close to equalising, sliding inches wide.
But Scotland held firm and secured a confidence-building victory ahead of next year’s Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
What the Manager Said
Head coach Melissa Andreatta praised her team’s fast start and defensive resilience:
“We took our early chances well, then China grew into the game. At halftime we re-set, started the second half strongly, but missing the penalty gave China momentum again.
What I loved was the character we showed. The defending in the final stages was excellent exactly the kind of mentality you need in tight matches and tournament football.”
