By Gareth James
Wales’ early preparations for the qualifying campaign for the Women’s World Cup were dealt a blow when they lost a friendly, 1-0, to Scotland at Parc y Scarlets.
The Scots, who also have their eyes on the tournament campaign ahead, were deserved winners thanks to a goal from Erin Cuthbert.
The Chelsea player’s strike just before the hour mark was the difference between the sides in a game of few chances.
It means Scotland have won both friendlies they have played this summer after defeating Northern Ireland 1-0 in Belfast last Thursday.
Wales manager Gemma Grainger made just one change from the side that drew with Denmark last time out, with 17-year old Manchester United midfielder Carrie Jones earning a first start.
The outstanding effort of the first period came from Scotland’s Cuthbert two minutes before half-time.
Cuthbert was teed up by midfield colleague Caroline Weir 25 yards out and cracked a right-foot shot against the underside of the crossbar.
Earlier, Wales midfielder Angharad James forced a good save out of visiting keeper Lee Alexander with a strike from the edge of the area.
Kayleigh Green should also have worked Alexander when picked out by a James cross in the 39th minute, but header tamely wide.
The goal came following a mistake from Wales goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan, who was dispossessed by Cuthbert, as she tried to play out from the back and after Cuthbert won possession she was left with a tap-in.