Scotland make winning start under new coach Martinez Losa

Scotland kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign under new coach Pedro Martinez Losa with a convincing 2-0 win over Hungary in Budapest.

Erin Cuthbert and substitute Martha Thomas guaranteed a winning start under the Spaniard, who held his first training session with the squad four days ago.

And the Scots, who were without the retired Kim Little and the injured Caroline Weir, reacted well despite a brief scare in the opening period.

Cuthbert opened the scoring in the 17th minute when she fired home the rebound from her initial penalty, which had been saved by Hungarian goalkeeper Reka Szocs.

Klaudia Kovacs hit the bar for the hosts, who began to grow in confidence without really managing to pressure the Scotland rearguard.

Martinez Losa made a series of changes in the second period, including the introduction of Thomas just past the hour mark in place of the experienced Jane Ross.

And Thomas’s introduction paid dividends as she effectively made sure of the points in the 73th minute when she rose to head home from a corner.

The Scots had late chances to add to their tally through the likes of Lana Clelland and Clair Emslie, but their performance will carry them into their next match, against group minnows the Faroe Islands at Hampden Park on Tuesday, in good heart.