Scotland to face Ireland in WC play-offs after Harrison’s extra-time winner

Substitute Abi Harrison sent Scotland one step closer to the Women’s World Cup finals with an extra-time winner against Austria.

Bristol City forward Harrison headed home Erin Cuthbert’s corner from six yards in the 92nd minute of the first-round play-off in front of a record crowd of 10,182 at Hampden and Scotland held on for a 1-0 victory.

The win sets up another Hampden clash next Tuesday against the Republic of Ireland in one of three European second-round play-offs.

The two top-ranked winners – based on their record in the qualifying groups – will go into next year’s finals in Australia and New Zealand. The other will enter a 10-team inter-continental tournament which will supply the final three qualifying teams.

Lee Gibson made an early save right on her line as Austria forced several corners, but the Scotland goalkeeper was rarely troubled.