Thomas inspires Scotland to victory in the Pinatar Cup

Two goals in the first half from Martha Thomas helped Scotland to a 2-0 victory over the Philippines on Saturday afternoon to progress to the final of the Pinatar Cup.

The 27-year-old broke the deadlock in the 22^nd minute as Erin Cuthbert’s effort was spilled by the goalkeeper and straight into the path of Thomas who tapped home from close-range to give her side the lead.

Then, in the closing stages of the first half, our number 17 grabbed her second of the afternoon with a glancing header into the bottom corner, before being substituted at the break with the away side two goals to the good at her withdrawal.

Martha doubling Scotland’s lead with a glancing header 🙌
pic.twitter.com/VeHtvzWM05

— Tottenham Hotspur Women (@SpursWomen) February 24, 2024

Martha will face Olga Ahtinen and Eveliina Summanen in the final of the competition as Finland secured a 1-0 win over Slovenia on Saturday evening. Eveliina started and played a full 90 minutes, while Olga was introduced midway through the second half and completed 26 minutes.

Elsewhere, young forward Araya Dennis - who us currently on loan at Crystal Palace - came on as a substitute in England Under-19's friendly against France where they young Lionesses suffered a 3-2 defeat, while goalkeeper Barbora Votíková started for Czech Republic in their friendly with Japan, but were beaten 2-1.

Outside of Europe, Charlotte Grant was a late substitute in Australia’s 3-0 win over Uzbekistan in the first leg of their Olympic qualifying play-off, with the two sides meeting once again on Wednesday (28 February) morning.