Scotland 2 Republic of Ireland 1:THE REPUBLIC of Ireland women still have their European Championship destiny in their own hands despite last night's cruel defeat to Scotland at Tynecastle.

Ireland looked on course for an unlikely victory when leading for 80 minutes through Denise O’Sullivan’s fourth-minute opener. However, Scotland, who had a penalty saved by Emma Byrne on the hour, over-turned that with two goals in the space of 60 seconds late on.

On 86 minutes, Rhonda Jones headed past Byrne from a Leanne Ross corner for the equaliser. Ireland lost possession from the restart and Scottish substitute Christie Murray broke clear and volleyed to the net.

Denise O’Sullivan had given Ireland a dream start with her fourth goal in three starts when heading home from Megan Campbell’s free-kick.

Scotland leapfrog Ireland into second place of Group Four by a point with four games remaining.