Image by Carson Ralton

SHARE OF THE SPOILS AS ACCIES SCORE LATE EQUALISER

Courtesy of Edmund Brown

Images by Carson Ralton

Spartans v Accies websites

Spartans and Hamilton Academicals shared the points in their Scottish Womens Premier League meeting at Ainslie Park with a last gasp equaliser by the away side finishing the game 4-4.

With both teams taking turns at leading during turbulent weather in north Edinburgh, it was the home side, with a Louise Young strike in the dying minutes, who thought they had taken the three points. However with the last kick of the match, Hamilton’s Toni Mason stole the show to end the encounter all square.

Spartans started with a bang and were a goal up inside the first three minutes with Diana Barry chipping the ball over the Accies keeper Megan Cunningham from the edge of the box. Molly McKean picked the ball up on the half way line and placed the ball through the middle of the Accies defence for the well timed run of Barry to latch onto before she sent a lobbed shot over the advancing Cunningham and into the back of the net.

Within ten minutes Accies came close to going level with Cheryl McCulloch muscling her way past Spartans centre-half Louise Moultray only to see her fierce shot palmed away by keeper Rachel Harrison.

However, this was just a warning shot as, with 30 minutes played, Accies Sarah Crilly stole in to score at the near post from six yards out. Crilly pressurised Louise Magilton into giving the ball away just outside her own box and the forward charged into the area before dispatching a right foot shot into the corner of the net.

Straight from kick-off Accies had to rely on the goalkeeping attributes of Cunningham who pulled off a point blank save from Spartans Captain Louise Young. Lana Clelland got free down the left wing and, as she reached the bye-line, the winger sent over a cross to the far post for Young to head towards goal. However, in an instant, Cunningham flicked out a hand to pull off a great reaction save and avert the danger on her goal.

It was Accies who went ahead straight after this opportunity with the home side again giving the ball away on the edge of their own box allowing forward McCulloch to pounce upon and fire the ball into the corner of the net.

Spartans were again left with their heads in their hands as with only minutes left before half-time, a Trisha McLaughlin shot smashed off the post with the net wide open. Barry picked the ball up midway through her own half and played the ball through to Sarah Ewens who, with the keeper rushing out to narrow the angle, flicked the ball out wide to McLaughlin who sent a placed shot towards the empty net. However, as she was about to turn and celebrate the ball came crashing off the post and away from danger.

Image by Carson Ralton

Five minutes after the break Spartans did get back on level terms as Ewens fired a fierce right foot shot into the back of the net. After latching onto a Harrison goal kick, the forward wrestled her way past two challenges before sending a dipping shot into the top corner of the Accies net.

Spartans proceeded to again take the lead in this topsy-turvy match with Barry getting her second of the game after tapping in at the near post. Ewens flew down the right wing and as she reached the six yard line she cut the ball back to Barry who, having made a darting run slid the ball home from four yards out.

However the home sides lead was to only last ten minutes as Carolina Richardson restored parity with an accurate placed shot that nestled in the top corner of Harrison’s net. Helen Templeton flicked the ball into the path of Richardson who, after cutting in from the left, sent a vicious shot that Harrison couldn’t prevent from ending up in the back of the net.

With time running out the game looked like petering out however Spartans Captain had other ideas as she crept forward unnoticed. After winger Clelland had a shot charged down the ball fell to the left foot of Young who, front the right corner of the box, curled a low drive into the far bottom corner.

With more than 90 minutes on the clock Spartans must have thought they had won this contest however Accies Toni Mason had other ideas as she connected with an out swinging corner to head the ball into the net and finish the league encounter 4-4.

Spartans Head Coach, Debbi McCulloch, was disappointed to not get the three points as she believes her team deserved more than a draw. She said: “I thought we played some of our best football so far this season but unfortunately we made some defensive errors that allowed the opposition back into the game. Of course the weather conditions didn’t help however it was the disappointment of not getting more from the game after several missed chances in front of goal.”

Spartans: Rachel Harrison, Louise Magilton (Danni Pagliarulo, 77mins), Lana Clelland, Chloe Fitzpatrick, Diana Barry, Molly McKean, Bobbie Beveridge, Trisha McLaughlin, Louise Young, Louise Moultray, Sarah Ewens.

Unused Subs: Jo Hutcheson, Ashley Nicolson, Ann Taylor, Louise Mason, Nichola Sturrock, Sarah Archibald

Hamilton: Megan Cunningham, Kirstin McGuire (Helen Templeton, 75 mins) , Cara McBrearty, Terri Donnelly, Sarah Crilly, Gillian Inglis, Jennifer King, Toni Mason, Jacqui Seagrave, (Amy Bulloch, 75 mins), Cheryl McCulloch, Carolina Richardson (Jennifer Rogers, 87 mins).

Unused Subs:  Elaine Fleming

Image by Carson Ralton

May 13 2012  

Henson Projects Scottish Cup First Round

Scorers: Dundee City: Kyle 12, Teri Ross 87. Hearts: Cunningham 9, Reilly 16, Fraser 25, Anderson 29, Piaskowski 39, 66.

Hearts marched into the second round of the Scottish Cup with a battling performance against both their opponents, Dundee City, and stormy conditions.

With the wind and a sloping slope in their favour during the opening period, Hearts managed to establish a 5-1 half-time cushion. But despite their opponents then taking advantage of the strong wind to put Hearts under pretty constant pressure thereafter, the visitors did superbly.

Not only did they defend resolutely, they even briefly extended their lead, when Gemma Piaskowski latched on to a Chloe Rollie pass to confidently notch her second of the afternoon, to make it 6-1. By the end, Hearts conceded only one during the second period, after one of Dundee City’s better players, Teri Ross, fired a sharp strike, from a corner, with three minutes remaining.

Earlier, it had been all-square when another of the host’s standouts – Jo-Ann Kyle – levelled for the hosts after benefitting from a high free-kick from the right that swirled in the wind. Three minutes before, Sam Cunningham had put Hearts one-nil up, getting on the end of a corner.

Hearts’ other goals comprised Kirsten Reilly also getting on the end of a corner, Lauren Fraser completing a passing move that contained a hint of offside and Lynsay Anderson finishing coolly after a Reilly cross, some 14 minutes before Reilly had to leave the field with an injured ankle.

Piaskowski’s first was an expertly-flighted free-kick over a four-person defensive wall.

Dundee City: Davidson, F. Wilson, McLean, Calhoun, Teri Ross; Kelly, L-A. Johnston, Kyle (c), Tasha Ross; Digby (Landskill 72), D. Johnston. Subs not used: Thoms.

Hearts: Hunter, Cunningham, G. Wilson, Young, Preston; Anderson (McFarlane 78), Fraser, Reilly (Rollie 43), Honjigawa; Kidd (c)(Buchanan h-t), Piaskowski. Subs not used: Hogg.

Rangers v City websites

League leaders Glasgow City avoided a potential slip up in their chase for their sixth consecutive title, coming back from behind to defeat Rangers 3-1 at Petershill. Jen Callaghan gave the Gers a first half lead before Jo Love pulled City level in the opening two minutes of the second half. Further strikes by Lisa Evans and Emma Fernon gave City the win, but Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black admitted his team could not have had a poorer start.

Image by Andy Buist

He said, “That was the worst first half I have ever seen from a Glasgow City side, but credit to the team as they turned it around. I felt we had to cope with a number of things in today’s game, but we got the result we were after. We settled down in the second half and began to actually play and we got the benefits from that. I felt we showed great character today to get through a difficult game. Even when we lost Danica and went to ten players, I thought we stepped it up.”

The sending off of second half substitute Danica Dalziel with 2 minutes to go was certainly a contentious one as she was shown a straight red card for a tackle out wide, where she appeared to win the ball. However, the player deficit never affected City in the closing stages and if anything they went on to create even more chances and also scored their third of the match.

In a game not helped by the awful weather of torrential rain and gale force winds, Rangers started bright and used the weather to their full advantage with long clearances down field as the wind blew behind them in the first half. City had to look sharp to keep the score 0-0 when Nicky Docherty cleared a header off the line from a Rangers corner ten minutes after the start.

Lisa Evans and Jane Ross both created good chances in the opening period but either shot wide of goal or were faced by the impressive Khym Ramsay who was looking in great form in the Rangers nets as she not only kept the City strikers out, but was holding on to every effort despite the difficult conditions.

Rangers took the lead just after half an hour when a long ball down field found striker Jen Callaghan and she hit an audacious forty yard effort high over Lee Alexander who was off her line.

City replied almost immediately but Ramsay raced off her line to save at the feet of Emma Mitchell. Jane Ross was then hacked down from behind in the penalty box, but while everyone looked at the referee to point to the spot, he waved play on in what was to be not his first controversial decision in the game.

Lisa Evans hit the cross bar and had another effort saved by Ramsay as Rangers held on to their advantage at the interval.

Half time 1-0

City opened their account 2 minutes after the restart as Evans played in Jo Love who hit a low hard shot past Ramsay from the middle of the penalty area. The away side were now really starting to dominate proceedings and as chances came and went it seemed only time before they would take the lead. With 66 minutes played, City did eventually get their noses in front as Evans received the ball from Captain Rachel Corsie and drove to the edge of the box before firing high past Ramsay.

City had further chances through Mitchell and Evans but it was full back Emma Fernon who scored City’s third in added time as she curled a right foot shot into the top corner.
In a last minute flourish City could have left with a more comfortable win as a brilliant finger top save from Ramsay kept out a Leanne Crichton effort and an Eilish McSorley header skimmed the outside of the post from a Jane Ross cross.

Image by Andy Buist

The match kicked off a few minutes late with Killie enjoying much of the early possession. The strong wind was certainly in their favour as the visitors struggled to make any distance up the field, for any ball that was not played on the ground was coming right back at them. Kilmarnock on the other hand, had to control the pace of the ball as they broke from midfield.

Image by Stephen Kennedy

The home side look confident following their recent draw with Rangers and subsequent win in a midweek friendly over local side Troon and were soon on the attack. Laura Cotten delivered a dangerous corner for Katie Patterson to strike from ten yards out and despite failing to score, there was early signs that Killie could cause this Aberdeen side problems.

Aberdeen broke from midfield with a clever little side pass from Victoria McIntosh to lay off Cara Simpson, whose 22 yard shot was dragged wide of the target.

Cotton judged the wind perfectly as she sent a long ball down the right. Kirsty Munro giving the defender two yards head of a start, overtook her with ease before drilling the ball in from right to left, only to see it narrowly passing the opposite stanchion.

Then we were treated to one of the best saves you will ever see. Loren Campbell bearing down on Lauren Grant, shot from a central position, 20 yards out. Her effort curling away from keeper Grant, who somehow managed to dive high to her right, palming the ball away to safety. A super save by Killie’s keeper, which had those in attendance affording her a well deserved round of applause.

Rebecca Dempster found herself in space, with enough time to pull the trigger, shooting low from the edge of the box but Grant was equal to the shot, doing well to get down to hold onto the ball.

At the other end, Lauren Sloan hit a decent wind assisted shot from all of 30 yards, which wasn’t that far away. Ideally, the hosts should have been shooting from anywhere given the windy conditions and wet surface; Sloan leading my example.

Munro, well known for being a pacey winger, was causing the Dons’ defence major concerns when the ball was played long for her to chase, for the visitors simply did not have the burst of speed at the back to prevent her runs. Laura Cotten was often the creator as the pair worked well together on the right.

Munro burst through, entering the box from the right but her effort was directed straight at keeper Lauren Sangster. Minutes later Cotton and Munro repeated the move and once more the results was identical.

At the end of the first period, one wondered if Kilmarnock’s failings in front of goal would come back to haunt them. They enjoyed the majority of possession and had three players in line for Player of the Match. Munro, Cotton and Sloan putting in excellent shifts in the first half. Nicole Murray had also looked solid on the left when coming forward and that save from Lauren Grant was breathtaking. But could they withstand the onslaught that was bound to come from the red shirts of Aberdeen with the wind behind them?

Half-Time: Killie 0 Aberdeen 0

Image by Stephen Kennedy

Aberdeen wasted no time in using the wind to their advantage as Killie now faced the battle of retaining possession and finding a way into the other half of the pitch and the blue and white stripes were up against it right from the whistle.

Cara Simpson broke the deadlock as she found herself one on one with Lauren Grant. Despite the keepers’ best efforts at blocking here route to goal, it was the simplest of passes into the net that gave her side the lead. Simpson’s delight was obvious but scoring on your debut at senior level, doesn’t get much sweeter than this – or so it seemed.

Susan Murray shot from 20 yards from a wide angle on the left, which took a nasty bounce in front of Grant but the keeper did well to take control of the ball at head height.

Image by Stephen Kennedy

It was all Aberdeen now as the Killie lassies tired in an never ending battle against the wind and skilful forward line. The Dons hit the bar from a Dempster header before they doubled their lead. The ball was played down the right wing to McIntosh, who looked to be a good two yards offside. She squared the ball into the box for Simpson who fired low from ten yards. Lauren Grant got part of her body in the way but it wasn’t enough to keep the ball from rolling into the net.

McIntosh was put through on Grant, and once more she was a mile offside, this time Grant dived at her feet before making the linesmen aware of his error in judgement.

Killie did get forward though as McManus received the ball 20 yards from goal. The striker’s twists and turns permitting her a shot at goal but she sent the ball narrowly wide of the target.

Hannah Clews displayed a great burst of pace to skip beyond her markers on left, passing into the penalty area for Dempster, where the number 20 drove to the byline before cutting the ball back to Aimee Clark, who should have made it three from the six yard line. A scuffed shot was the result of the good work on the left. To be fair to Clark, she was playing a blinder in the centre of the Aberdeen defence, maintaining a tight leash of Kirsty Munro.

Towards the end of the match, the blue and white striped shirts were being run ragged by their opponents, who had numerous chances to add a third.

The only respite came from a long ball that found Sam McManus. As she ventured into the box, she attempted the pass the ball beyond Sangster but the keeper made a fantastic block with her legs to ensure she would go home with a clean sheet.

Overall it was a decent game, played in poor conditions in Hurlford and no one could complain too much about the end result, other than the possibility of the pass that created the second goal being a tad offside.

Kilmarnock battled hard from start to finish and had they taken a couple of their many opportunities throughout the match, I am sure they would have earned at least a point.

Player of the Match: Has to go to the débutante for Aberdeen Cara Simpson for a splendid second half performance and calmness in taking her two goals.

Kilmarnock: Grant, Kirkland, Murray, Sloan, Haddow, Webb, Cotton, K. Patterson, McManus, Munro, Hunter Subs: Huggan, S. Patterson

Aberdeen: Sangster, Anderson, Campbell, Murray, Bruce, Simpson, McIntosh, Forrest, Clews, Clark, Dempster

Referee: Nicole Andrews

More images from this match can be found here.

Image by Stephen Kennedy

Lorna made an outstanding contributing to the match with two goals and creating chances for her team mates but what was even more impressive was her compassion and empathy for Moray Ladies opponents on the day – Turriff United. Turriff are in their first season as a club and are some way behind the side that Lorna coaches but she was determined there would be no humiliating result and gave strict instructions to the team beforehand as to what she wanted to obtain from the game.

Lorna sent her team out to win, but once the game was in the bag, they allowed the girls of Turriff to play a bit of football and thus extend their confidence. They even assisted with some on the field advice and coaching for the new girls on the block. A gesture I have never witnessed before from a girl that cares passionately about the game.

Lorna receives her SWFitba POTM Trophy from Referee Tom Black

Name: Lorna Young

Age: 28

Position: Normally I play at centre half but played as a striker today. I am also the coach/manager of the club

Time at club: Well the club was founded three years ago. It was myself that began the club, so I have been here from the outset

Previous Clubs: Dundee United, Aberdeen, Cove Rangers, Lochee United

Home Town: I am a local lass – Elgin

Occupation: I work for the SFA as an administrator

What team do you support: I am a Celtic fan, which stems from my parents who were Glaswegians

The club has been on the go three years now and appears to be doing very well on the park. What are your ambitions for the club?  Eventually I want to see us playing in the Premier League but for the immediate future, it’s to get into the First Division. It is so difficult to achieve due to the play off system and regionalisation but we believe we can do it this term.

What about your own aspirations? I was once a Scotland International at under 19 level but never made the step up. I would dearly love to be capped for the full Scotland team but I think at 28, I may be too old now. Long term I want to be involved more on the coaching side of things.

What about the game – where do you want to see it in the future? Well, it would be wonderful for it to turn professional but we are a long way from that happening.

What is preventing this occurring? Lack of sponsorship and promotion I believe. In this area in particular, we require more support. For instance, there is a lack of coaches and those we do have, having little support. If Ronnie and I left tomorrow, the team would probably fold as there is no one to step up and replace us.

That is a concern. You have a good bunch of girls here and an extremely high level of professionalism, which would be lost due to lack of coaches and support from the game. So anyone reading this who is interesting in coaching in the Elgin area, please contact SWFitba and we will put you in touch with Lorna.

Have you tried advertising for coaches? Yes we have used adverts in various forms of the media including local press, Twitter, Facebook but no one appears to be interested in helping out. SWFitba’s appearance at the game is also another form of advertising and promoting of the club, which may help our cause.

Moving on to the game. It was pretty much a one-sided affair, which was what we expected based on league standings and Turriff being in their first season. But who stood out for you as key players for Moray? Well you mentioned Emma Thomas who had a very good game and as you know, I thought Tammy Harkin would win the Player of the Match as she usually is our best player and again did very well today. Also our right midfielder, Rebecca Scott had an exceptional match today, considering she hasn’t had many games under her belt so far. She had an excellent first half, delivering some excellent crosses from the right.

What about today’s opposition. Any stand out performances for you? Chelsea Page had a really good game, particularly in the second half. She can play on either wing, has a lot of pace and caused us a fair bit of trouble. Ashleigh Clark had a decent game in the centre of defence with some timely tackles.

So you are the coach and manager but what is Ronnie’s role? He supports from the touchline on match days and is responsible for things like putting the nets up.

Is he involved in picking the team? He has a say yes but I have a rule which says if you are not at training, you won’t be in the starting eleven on Sundays. I don’t care who it is to be honest, it could be our best player and the girls are well aware of this. To their credit they have been very good all season and we have stuck by this rule. We try to operate in a professional manner as I think you will have witnessed today.

Who is the club comedienne, the one that maintains the club’s spirits and provides the laughs in the dressing room? Becky Lappington is good for that as is Tammy Harkin.

Anything else you would to tell the public? Yeah, if anyone is interested in helping us out from a coaching perspective or maybe girls want to come along and train with us, we are always willing to welcome new blood into the team. We have a variety of teams at all ages, which allows girls to play football irrespective of age.

I would like to thank the girls for their hard work and dedication, which has been superb and their commitment to training is providing the results on the park.

I would like to thank you on behalf of the club for coming all the way to Elgin and helping to promote not only our own club but the game in general.

I would like to add that Lorna and Ronnie were exceptional hosts, who offered a friendly welcome. The girls were all appreciative of my presence and willing to speak to me without any trouble at all. The level of professionalism displayed by Moray Ladies, would be hard to beat at any level of the game both on and off the park. Other clubs should take notice of this side – they will be heading up through the ranks soon.

Image by Stephen Kennedy

In the last few weeks, Glasgow City Captain Rachel Corsie has led her team to important League victories over title rivals Hibernian and Celtic. She also last Thursday Captained City to their first Cup Final of the season, following the 4-0 defeat of Forfar Farmington in the Premier League Cup Semi-Final.

Amongst all of these important matches, Rachel started her 100^th League game for Glasgow City, since moving from Aberdeen Ladies FC in the summer of 2008.
Commenting on this impressive achievement, Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said, “I think it shows remarkable consistently she has managed to rack up 100 starts for the club in such a short period of time.

“People tend to forget that Rachel is still only 22 years of age and is continuing to develop as a player. She is a regular internationalist and has captained both club and country, which shows an added value as been seen as a leader.

“I believe she has a lot more potential to fulfill and I’m certain the coming years will prove my belief in Rachel. I hope she will have many more appearances in a Glasgow City shirt and help us on our quest for more silverware.”

SWFitba would like to congratulate Rachel on her achievement and wish her many more appearances in the future.

Glasgow v Inverness websites

Image by Andy Buist

Glasgow City kept their place at the top of the SWPL with a thumping 11-0 win over Inverness at Petershill Park. With a 3-0 lead at half time, City went on to have an excellent second half performance in particular much to the delight of Assistant First Team Coach Donald Jennow.

He said, “It is always difficult for us coming in after a midweek  game in terms of fatigue and with it being a change to our normal preparation for weekend games, there is always concern for the coaching staff in terms of our performance. However, the girls put on a very professional display today, particular in the second half and they showed the ruthlessness we asked from them at half time. Once again we showed the depth of the squad, being able to make a number or changes to the midweek team and it will be that depth of squad that we will need to compete on all fronts this season.”

Jo Love got the Champions off to a great start as she put the home side ahead after only 4 minutes. Ciara Barnes found the run of Love and the City and Scotland midfielder raced through on goal hitting a powerful low drive into the corner beyond Kim Jappy in the Inverness goals.

Ten minutes played and it was 2-0 to City. Lisa Evans was brought down in the box, with team mate Love winning the ball back before playing it to Evans who was now back up on her feet and the City striker rifled a low shot into the far corner.

Soon after and City confirmed their dominance with a third goal and in usual fashion it was an Emma Mitchell belter as she hit a powerful left foot shot high into the back of the net beyond the despairing dive of Jappy.

City had the ball in the back of the net a further two times but the referee blew for offside to deny City a comfortable lead at half time.

Half time 3-0.

Right from the whistle City were on the attack again as Nicky Docherty fired an effort off the underside of the cross bar.  A minute later Jappy made a good save from Evans but the Inverness keeper could do nothing to prevent Ciara Barnes from scoring with a left foot shot after a City corner.

The home side had another goal disallowed for offside as Julie Melrose had the ball in the back of the net, but the City striker did get her goal as she shot high into the roof of Jappy’s goal on 55 minutes.

Lisa Evans made it 6-0 to City, getting her second of the match as she skipped past two defenders before slotting home.

Substitute Leanne Ross scored number seven with a well taken drive from the edge of the box. Ciara Barnes got her second if the game and then another substitute, Kat Linder made it 9-0 scoring from close range at the back post.

A handball in the box gave City a penalty which Leanne Ross fired into the net with ease before the City and Scotland midfielder got her hat-trick with 6 minutes to go with a shot from just inside the box. Not a bad return for the City player who was only on the field for 30 minutes as a second half replacement for Jo Love.

Final Score 11-0.

Courtesy of Edmund Brown

Images by Carson Ralton

Aberdeen v Spartans websites

Spartans took all three points in the Scottish Women’s Premier League beating Aberdeen 2-1 at Aberdeen’s Sports village to go fourth in the league.

With all types of weather conditions being witnessed in the Granite City and with the Aberdeen surface stifling the passing moves of both teams, the crowd had to wait until the start of the second half for the deadlock to be broken with Sarah Ewens volleying home her tenth goal of the season for the Edinburgh side.

Image by Carson Ralton

Within five minutes the home side equalised as Rebecca Dempster crashed home a sweeping shot into the bottom corner of the Spartans net. However it was the away side who stole the show as with only six minutes to play they were awarded a penalty as Ewens was taken down by Keeper Lauren Sangster. Up stepped Barry to smash the ball home to seal the victory and take the three points back down the road to Edinburgh.

Spartans started the brighter and could have been a goal up inside the first ten minutes with a thunderous Molly McKean strike flying inches past the post. Bobbie Beveridge skipped down the right wing and cut inside before firing over a cross to Sarah Ewens whose shot, from the edge of the area, was charged down only as far as midfielder McKean who, with a flick of the hips, fired in a fierce drive that flew inches past the left hand post.

Moments later Spartans again came close to opening the scoring after they were awarded a corner which Claire Crosbie rose to send a header towards goal only to see it cleared off the goal line. Ewens wrestled clear of the Aberdeen defence and as she charged into the box Loren Campbell flicked out a foot clearing the ball from danger. Lana Clelland took the corner and sent over an out-swinging cross to the far post for Crosbie, who had risen above all challengers, to head towards goal. However Campbell, who was standing on the post, cleared off the line and away from danger.

On the stroke of half-time Spartans were awarded another corner after Ewens again wriggled free of two challenges before Lindsey Gauld managed to send the ball clear with an outstretched leg. Clelland, with the resulting corner, again swung a ball to the far post for Crosbie to head towards goal but Lauren Sangster was able to get her gloves to it and prevent it from crossing the line.

Nine minutes after the half time break Spartans took the lead through Ewens volleyed shot from eight yards out. Barry collected the ball from a throw-in on the left wing and, after flicking it past McKenzie, sent over a looping cross to the near post where Ewens, at full stretch, sent a volley into the bottom corner past the outstretched hands of Sangster.

Image by Carson Ralton

However the away side’s lead only lasted five minutes as, against the run of play, Rebecca Dempster fired a sweeping shot into the bottom corner of the Spartans goal. Victoria McIntosh escaped the grasps of Chloe Fitzpatrick and sent over a low cross to Dempster who, from the edge of the area, sent a sweeping low drive around the defence and into the bottom corner.

Straight from kick-off, Spartans charged straight up-field and had a McKean shot from outside the box deflected wide by Murray. Louise Young fed the ball down the right wing to Barry who quickly played a one-two with Lana Clelland before sending in a wicked cross that was cleared to the feet of Mckean to let fly with a dipping right foot drive which was deflected off the foot of Murray.

Moments later Spartans were again close to regaining the lead as Barry laid the ball on for McKean however her shot from 18 yards out flew well over the bar. Barry created space for herself just inside the box and after twisting and turning fed the ball back to Mckean who’s first time shot sailed over the bar.

With 15 minutes left on the clock Spartans again came close to securing the victory as Ewens escaped the attentions of both central defenders and charged towards goal. However as she steadied herself to shoot, Campbell slid in to tap the ball away for a corner.

Three minutes from the end Spartans finally got their just rewards as the referee pointed to the spot after Ewens, who had sped clear of the Aberdeen defence, was sent crashing to the ground by keeper Sangster as the striker tried to round the home side’s number 1. Spartans Keeper Rachel Harrison fired a ball up to Clelland who cut inside and chipped a ball over the top for Ewens to run onto. However as she played the ball past the on-rushing Sangster, the keeper brought the forward down. Up Stepped Barry to fire the ball into the bottom right hand corner to give her side a crucial 2-1 victory sending the Edinburgh side into fourth spot.

Spartans Head Coach Debbi McCulloch felt the conditions didn’t help in creating a memorable game but was pleased to get the three points. She said: “Today was one of those games where the three points were the most important factor. The surface and weather conditions proved difficult and with the ball always taking a while to get back into play meant we struggled to get any tempo in our game. But the girls never gave up and scored a great goal by Sarah Ewens and Di Barry was so calm and composed in disposing of the penalty.”

Aberdeen: Lauren Sangster, Loren Campbell, Lindsey Gauld, Melissa Aitkenhead, Cheryl Anderson, Victoria McIntosh, Kelly Forrest, Susan Murray, Kirsty McKenzie, Rebecca Dempster, Aimee Ross. Subs: Hannah Clews, Amy Innis, Megan Maver, Natasha Bruce, Claire Martin

Spartans: Rachel Harrison, Ashley Nicolson, Claire Crosbie, Victoria Farquhar, Chloe Fitzpatrick, Bobbie Beveridge, Lana Clelland, Molly McKean, Louise Young, Diana Barry, Sarah Ewens. Subs: Ann Taylor, Louise Mason, Nichola Sturrock, Louise Moultray

Image by Carson Ralton

Image by Stephen Kennedy

The game began very much as expected with most of the action coming at the visitors’ end of the park. Moray are currently flying high at the top of the league and Turriff holding up the others at the bottom, so I assumed it would be very much one way traffic and an embarrassing amount of goals. However, I was assured that Moray were not that type of club and there would be no humiliation of the opposition.

During the opening minutes Moray squandered a fair amount of chances due to good goalkeeping by stand-in keeper Vikki McIntee or the finishing too direct at the keeper as Lorna Young and Emma Thomas attempted to find an early goal. Tammy Harkin was creating numerous chances from the left as was Rebecca Scott on the opposite wing but still the winner was keeper McIntee.

Harkin delivered a lovely corner, which was met by the head of Kirstin Merricks; the ball travelling narrowly past the stanchion.

Thomas picked up the ball 30 yards out and played a sublime pass for Young, who was again thwarted by the keeper as she bore down on her one on one.

The pressure continued as Christa Rodgers joined the attack along with Thomas and Young. The latter again shooting too close to McIntee. Young almost scored from a clever lob but the young keeper back tracked just in time to prevent the ball nipping under the bar.

Of course when you are under the cosh the way Turriff were, it was only a matter of time before the goal arrived. Harkin breaking on the left, crossing deep from the corner flag to the back post where Thomas volleyed into the net from three yards or so. A lovely goal from the team in green and worth the wait.

Image by Stephen Kennedy

The opening took 19 minutes to materialise but we had only two minutes to wait on the next. A mistake at the back by Ashleigh Clark allowed Lorna Young through on goal, pursued by Heather Montgomery. However, Young would retain her composure and slip the ball beyond the advancing keeper to double Moray’s lead.

Harkin again drove down the left flank, skipping beyond the pacey Montgomery but Clark made up for her previous error, with a fantastic tackle to prevent Harkin’s cross.

Young made it three with what at first appeared to be a superb piece of skill as she lobbed the keeper from the right; the ball dropping in to the far top corner. The player-coach however admitted it was not intentional and had intended to cross the ball close to the keeper for someone to get on the end of it. Nevertheless, it was three goals to nil after 25 minutes.

The fourth was scored by Emma Thomas, who fired home from 17 yards, giving McIntee no chance whatsoever of stopping her volley.

Young turned creator as she worked a clever one – two with Harkin, who made it five – nil, slotting the ball into the corner of the net.

Despite Turriff being hemmed in for much of this first half, there were strong signs that they had some very useful players in their side. When given the chance, they passed the ball around well. As individuals, many could have slotted into the Moray side. What they lacked was quickness of thinking on the ball and they also require more time to gel as a team. This is the first season but I am sure, if they can keep their heads up, and work hard, they have the basis of a very good side.

The back three of Moray were mopping up things at the back as United began to find ways through on occasion. Leanne Cowie had to act fast to prevent Chelsea Page from pulling one back, the defender stopping the winger as she entered the box.

True to their word, Moray began passing the ball around from the back rather than going all out on the attack. This of course gave the visitors some respite from the onslaught of Young and Thomas and when Harkin dropped deep into midfield, this allowed Montgomery to step forward and assist the United midfield. Page too was liberated, and began showing she was a young winger with a lot of skill and pace.

Half-Time: Moray 5 Turriff 0

United were being presented with the opportunity to play their own game, thanks to the sportsmanship of the Elgin club. A mistake at the back allowed Savannah Gray a chance to shoot at keeper Sarah Stephens for the first time in the match. Her 22 yard effort had plenty of power and direction but didn’t trouble Stephens, as the keeper was perfectly positioned to deal.

Image by Stephen Kennedy

We were treated to a wonderful move started by Merricks in midfield as she waited to ensure everyone was onside before releasing a defence splitting pass that put Thomas into the right side of the box. She could have gone for her hat-trick but unselfishly, squared the ball to Young, to offer her the chance of her third but alas, the shot was just off target. What a great advert for the game of football this side is. A joy to watch but willing to play not only as a team but as friends even at the cost of not getting your own hat-trick.

Harkin played a neat pass through for Rodgers but just as she was about to pull the trigger, Clark took the ball of her toe with some excellent defensive work.

Harkin whipped in a deep corner which was driven in low against the post by Nicola Wilson. Harkin then tried for goal herself with a 19 yard left footed shot, bringing out a fine stop by McIntee.

Kim Goodchild provided the ball from the left for Sian Hughes to tap in beyond McIntee as Moray made it six. Simplicity at its best.

Hughes was then denied by Clark, who was having a superb second half in the centre of the Turriff defence. Again a last second block from the number five to deny substitute Hughes.

She would not be denied for long however, scoring number seven as she found herself one on one with McIntee to pass the ball beyond the reach of the keeper.

Moray began to ease up again, electing to pass the ball around, working on their own ball skills. Turriff were thankful for the break and in fact came to life. Youngster Chelsea Page coming into the fray with some brilliant runs up the left, resulting in a number of shots at Stephens.

Gray too displayed excellent footwork as she nipped between two defenders to fire in a good shot, which had Stephens scrambling across her line to collect. Gray hit a diagonal ball from a free-kick from left to right. It was picked up by Page, who proceeded to hit a stinging shot from 25 yards, which was just too close to the keeper. Brilliant football again from the visitors.

Finally Turriff did what everyone in the attendance wanted them too – they scored. A corner from the left, which wasn’t dealt with and with the ball bobbling around inside the six yard area, Chelsea Page tapped in to give the newcomers a consolation goal. The girls took great pleasure from that one it has to be said.

They almost scored again as a free-kick from Nicole Clark found its way to Holly Ronald but her 12 yard effort was too close to keeper Stephens. Still we were seeing signs of a team beginning to enjoy their football, getting forward, and entertaining us too.

The final shot on target came from Ashleigh Clark – a brave but ambitious 30 yard drive, concluding its journey in the arms of Stephens.

Hats off to both teams for providing a thoroughly entertaining match. Yes one side was more accomplished than the other but the sportsmanship of Moray had to be seen to be believed. Not only did they refuse to humiliate an up and coming team, they were actually coaching their opponents, offering advise on the field of play. This was opposition players, aiding the development of the visiting side, something I have never witnessed before. Wonderful to observe and I know from speaking to some of the Turriff girls, it was truly appreciated. They praised their hosts in post-match chats at the hospitality kindly provided by Elgin City Social Club.

Player of the Match: You know, there were so many girls on the park today, that were worthy of an award of some kind or another. I have rarely felt this after any match I have covered. It is often dangerous ground when you start mentioning every player as you are likely to miss someone. However, for the benefit of a new club, trying to finds its way and with the encouragement offered today from their opponents, I feel it has to be undertaken.

If we take the visitors for instance, it would be hard not to commend Montgomery, Clark, Rodgers and Barnes for sticking faithfully to their task, despite a constant barrage of assaults on their defensive line. Their heads never dropped and continued to give 100%.

Chalmers and Cooper, whose persistence as they tried to win the ball and support from back to front deserves praise and of course McIntee for a brave display in goals, acting as the understudy for the missing keeper on the day. Poor Alex Laurie often exposed up front, could do little to alleviate the the pressure her defence was enduring.

Their two stars on the day though were Savannah Gray and Chelsea Page. Two classy players who were a joy to watch.

For Moray – where do you start? Stephens in goal, was rarely tested but when called upon was rock solid. The back three were never under great pressure but coped well too, whenever required. The midfield were phenomenal, Christa Rodgers, Rebecca Scott, Tammy Harkin and Nicola Wilson, will carve apart many defences with the greatest of ease. The twin strikers in Emma Thomas and my player of the match Lorna Young, were a joy to behold, working as partners, never any sign of greed on the ball and classy too. And a word for Sian Hughes who came off the bench and scored a brace – well done Sian.

I know I haven’t covered everyone but every player who put foot on the pitch on Sunday, gave their all or showed skill and compassion.

It was a pleasure to be in the the company of two great clubs – till next time – enjoy your football and I will be paying particular attention to Turriff, especially next season.

Moray: Stephens, Merricks, Goodchild, Cowie, L. Rodgers, P. Rodgers, Scott, Harkin, Thomas, Young, Wilson Subs: Eadie, Dobinson, Slessor, Hughes, Hambly, Lapington

Turriff: McIntee, Montgomery, Rodger, Barnes, A. Clark, Chalmers, Cooper, Gray, Roy, Laurie, Page Subs: N. Clark, Ronald, McLennan

More photos can be found by clicking here

Image by Stephen Kennedy

Despite Spartans winning the match, one girl stood out for me from the home side, displaying great ability to hold up play until support arrived, wonderful dribbling skills, skipping by players almost as if they weren’t there and a commitment that most clubs would kill for in their team.

It was because of the above that she was awarded our player of the match trophy, which resulted in one of the craziest interviews to date, most of which had to be deleted

Hayley Irvine presents Dionne with her SWFitba POTM award

Name: Dionne Brown

Age: 19 er am I – no – I’m 20 sorry

<The room erupts with laughter>

Home Town: Larkhall

Time at club: From the outset. The club was formed in August last season.

Previous clubs: Motherwell, Wishaw, Milton, East Kilbride and Hamilton

Position at club: You name it, I play it. I prefer right mid or up front though.

What are you thoughts after today’s match? We could have done a lot better. We let ourselves down in the second half after a pleasing first period.

Your coach reckons it was down to fitness or lack of it. Spartans supremacy in the second 45 minutes came to the forefront of the game. Do you agree?  Yeah – 80% of it was due to the oppositions fitness levels being much higher than our own. I think we matched them on every other part of our game but our stamina let us down towards the end.

So forgetting the disappointment of today, where do you see the club being at the end of the season? Hopefully the top three in the league, I believe we are good enough and today we were a few players short due to work commitments, so we will get results.

What about in five years time? Well hopefully up a league at the very least.

What about bringing in younger teams to provide new players for the seniors? Yes we already have this in place and looking to expand on that. We also have a special needs team and a fair amount of boys’ teams under the Claremont banner.

You won our Player of the Match award but other than yourself, who is the best player at the club? Thanks for that. Everyone stands out for one reason or other. It would either Kim or Steph, both have great ability.

Tell us something about yourself that we don’t know? <She loves to crochet came a shout> Yeah and on a Saturday I like to sit in the house and knit I am knitting tracksuits for the team next haha.

Anything you would like to add? Just to say thank you for taking the time to come and report and photograph our game today. It was great to see you here and you are welcome back any time.

Dionne – next time I am staying in a hotel and going to the pub with you guys. Thirty minutes of this interview was unusable but absolutely hilarious. Thanks for that and best of luck for the season.