DESPITE losing the first goal, Scotland's women kept their composure to record their first win over the Netherlands to get their Cyprus Cup campaign back on track.

The 2-1 victory pulls them level on points with the Dutch in Group B, although they still trail on goal difference.

The outcome was especially welcome, as not only did it end the run of four Dutch wins in the only previous games between the countries, but it also made amends for the 5-1 defeat against the group leaders and defending champions Canada, 48 hours earlier.

"It was fantastic to get the three points," said Anna Signeul, the Scotland coach. "It wasn't pretty in the end but it doesn't matter because for us it meant so much winning this game."

When the Netherlands went ahead through the ever-dangerous, Sherida Spitse, midway through the first half, it looked briefly as if another demoralising defeat might be on the cards. Scotland had started the game at a low tempo with their opponents enjoying most of the possession.

Almost immediately, though, the Scots were back on level terms after Jane Ross forced an own goal from Dutch defender Mandy Van den Berg following a tempting low cross from Hayley Lauder. "Getting the equaliser so quickly was huge for us," said Signeul.

Lauder's winner after 59 minutes stunned the Dutch, whose play in the first half had at times been almost contemptuous of their opponents. There were several passages of play where their centre-backs passed the ball repeatedly between themselves, but Scotland refused to be lured into the trap and held their shape until Spitse got the opener.

As Signeul indicated, her side had to hang on at the end, and the Scots were indebted to Shannon Lynn, the Hibernian goalkeeper, who pulled off a couple of outstanding saves in a fraught final 15 minutes.

Lynn replaced captain Gemma Faye from the side which was beaten by Canada and has staked a claim for further outings. Another Scotland stalwart, Leanne Ross, also started the game on the sidelines, although she did come on as a second half substitute for Megan Sneddon and nearly put Scotland into a 3-1 lead with a shot which was cleared off the line.

Signeul also made several tactical changes, and was forced to replace left-back Rachel Small, who was feeling unwell, after only 35 minutes. Nevertheless it was a feature of the Scottish performance that they got stronger each time they used their five substitutes, with Emma Fernon, who replaced Small, having a solid game.

Yet another substitute, Lisa Evans, missed a great chance to put Scotland ahead almost immediately after she came on for Ross in the 55th minute, but made up for it almost immediately by assisting Lauder for the winner. Her pace caused the Dutch problems, and one of the most pleasing aspects of Scotland's recent development is that they now have several options in attack.

For defender Rachel Corsie, who took over the captain's armband from Faye, the win had a special resonance. The only previous time she captained Scotland was against England, almost a year ago in the same competition, and that, too, resulted in a famous victory.

After playing her first 90 minutes since an ankle operation, the Glasgow City player was delighted at the outcome. "I wasn't sure if I could last a full game but I felt fine so it was no problem," she said.

Scotland now play Italy, who lost 2-1 to Canada yesterday, in the final group game on Sunday.