Scotland beat Switzerland '“ but can't claim two-goal winning margin

Erin Cuthbert gave Scotland the perfect start

Scotland came agonisingly close to the two-goal victory they needed to all but secure automatic qualification for the FIFA Women's 2019 World Cup finals but had to settle for a 2-1 win over Switzerland in Paisley.

The Scots now head into their final Group Two match in Albania on Tuesday likely to claim a play-off spot.

The 4098 fans at the Simple Digital Arena – a record crowd for a Scotland Women’s match – saw Erin Cuthbert smash an effort home from 12 yards to put Scotland ahead after two minutes.

The Scots doubled their lead on the five-minute mark, Kim Little’s deflected shot finding the net. However, the group leaders cut the deficit just two minutes later through captain Lara Dickenmann.

Scotland spent the rest of the match pressing for the all-important third goal but the Swiss held on to claim the result that keeps them top.

Scotland: Alexander, Howard, Beattie, Corsie, Mitchell, Weir, Murray (Ross 72), Little, Evans, Emslie (Arnot 80), Cuthbert. Unused subs: Lynn, Love, Arthur, Brown, Clelland.