Scotland 2-3 Russia

Hamill (right) scored twice for Scotland against Russia at Tynecastle

Scotland's women lost to Russia in their European Championship play-off first leg, despite a valiant effort.

Pauline Hamill put the Scots ahead from close range after two minutes, before Olesya Kurochkina drew Russia level soon after with a superb curling drive.

Hamill scored a fine free-kick, but the Russians again equalised from the spot through Natalia Mokshanova.

And, with 25 minutes to go, substitute Natalia Barbashova notched the winner after a strong run.

The defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow after Anna Signeul's Scotland side put so much in to the match against Europe's eighth-ranked team.

Scotland will now go to Russia on Thursday needing to win and also overturn three away goals, although they will have record-scorer Julie Fleeting back after suspension.

Despite being without the Arsenal striker for this match, the Scots took a shock lead after just two minutes.

Joanne Love's pass into the box was knocked to the feet of Hamill and the Celtic player forced the ball past Russian goalkeeper Elvira Terua from six yards.

But the lead was short-lived as the Russians drew level two minutes later.

Kurochkina outpaced the Scottish defence to a long ball and sent an excellent finish past the advancing Gemma Fay from the edge of the penalty area.

Scotland rallied and regained the lead on 12 minutes with a fantastic free-kick that Hamill curled round over the wall and into the net from 19 yards.

The Russians were awarded a penalty when Valentina Savchenkova was up-ended by Scottish captain Rhonda Jones on the half-hour mark.

Mokshanova stepped up to squeeze the ball under Fay, who was unhappy that the Russian checked her run before striking the ball.

In the second period, Russia had the Scots pegged back for the first 20 minutes without seriously threatening Fay's goal.

As the half wore on, Kim Little started making some good runs and had a long range effort held by Terua.

But, just as the Scots were coming more into the game, Russian substitute Barbashina held off three defenders as she ploughed in to the Scotland box and guided the ball round Fay.

As the game drew to a close, Hamill had the chance to salvage a draw for Scotland, but the striker shot wide with the goalkeeper to beat.

And, in the dying moments, Michelle Kerr's glancing header was saved wonderfully by Terua.

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Scotland manager Anna Signeul:
"I am disappointed for the players. The players did us proud.

"They are so skilful, the Russian team. Their players are full-time professionals and their fitness levels are a bit better.

"Some of the players they have, we really can't handle, but I thought we showed their front four too much respect.

"We showed that we can score and I think we still have a chance. But we need to score two goals away from home, that's the thing."