Glasgow City v Hibernian

Glasgow City 1-2 Hibernian Ladies
SSE Scottish Women’s Cup Semi-Final
Forthbank Stadium
Sunday 14th October 2018

It’s semi-final day in the Scottish Women’s Cup. Unlike in the men’s game, which caused chaos amongst fans and the police when they tried to arrange both league Cup semi-finals at Hampden on the same day, the Women’s Cup (and league cup) frequently host both games at the same site on the same day, with today’s games having just four hours between scheduled kick offs. The first game up today is an absolute cracker between the two top teams in Scottish women’s football, fierce rivals Glasgow City and Hibs.

The Venue

Forthbank became the new home for Stirling Albion in 1993, when they moved out of their old Annfield ground. The ground is well appointed, fairly close to Stirling’s centre, and has become a popular venue for both home and away supporters. It is also home to the first team of Stirling University, who moved back in this season, after previously playing home games here from 2013-2016.

The ground has two fully seated stands on either side of the ground, which are both well covered and offer excellent views of the pitch. There are also two terraces behind the goals, which bring the overall capacity of the ground to 3,808 with 2,508 being seated. Forthbank is an excellent place to watch a game of football, and a really good venue for the semi finals of this competition.

The Teams

I’ve spoken about both of these teams at length in the not too distant past, so this is a very abridged section today. Both sides recorded 11-0 wins over lower league opposition at the quarter final stage, but today should be a very different kettle of fish. Both league games between the two sides so far this season have ended in draws, with the big almost certain league decider just one week away. Hibs do have the upper hand this season though, holding a 3-1 win over City in the League Cup semi-final. Another tight affair is to be expected this afternoon.

The Game

Hibs had the better of the opening exchanges and came close to taking the lead in the seventh minute. Emma Brownlie’s free kick wasn’t dealt with properly by Lee Alexander in the City goal, but Sam Kerr managed to clear the ball before it fell to a Hibs attacker. Two minutes later, City found themselves on the front foot, but Kirsty Howat’s effort from Leanne Ross’ corner was well wide of the post. Abi Harrison was causing problems for City’s defence every time she got hold of the ball, and she forced a good block from Ross with eleven minutes played after finding herself in a wonderful position.

Hibs took the lead with fourteen minutes gone, when City could only half clear, giving Lisa Robertson the chance to cross into the box. City failed to deal with the cross completely, and Kirsten Reilly knocked a shot in off Alexander. It was no more than the Edinburgh side deserved, and Alexander was having a rough time of it in goals for City. With 20 minutes on the clock, Robertson tried a speculative effort from distance that should have been routine for the Scotland number 1, but she could only spill it wide for a corner.

Abbi Grant was looking City’s liveliest player, and with 23 minutes gone, she cut in from wide on the left and sent a shot only just wide of the post. On the half hour, Hibs only half cleared a corner which gave Ross the chance to knock the ball back into the box. Howat picked up the ball and looked certain to score, but a fine save from Jenna Fife kept her side in the lead. Harrison was still looking dangerous for Hibs, and with six minutes to go until the break, she latched onto Rachel McLauchlan’s through ball but saw her volley blocked by Jo Love at full stretch.

Scott Booth must have ripped into his team at the break, because they came out looking like a different side in the second half. On 53 minutes, Megan Foley sent an inviting ball across the box that was missed by everyone until it was picked up by Lidija Kuliš at the back post. The Bosnian rifled a shot off the post with City looking dangerous. Four minutes later, City worked a short corner into the box and Kerr forced a great save from Fife. Howat put her head onto the rebound, and somehow managed to put the ball past the post when it looked easier to score. The game became a dogged midfield battle, and with 70 minutes played, City slipped up and allowed Harrison in. The striker rounded Alexander, but Ross had enough time to recover and put in an excellent saving tackle.

Just a minute later, City broke and Kuliš sent an excellent looking ball into the box, that was snatched off the head of Howat by Fife. As the game approached the last ten minutes, Jamie-Lee Napier, on as a substitute, very nearly got onto the end of an initially hopeful looking long ball. Hibs kept up the pressure, and with 80 minutes gone, Robertson found herself in the middle of a goalmouth scramble, but couldn’t quite get the final touch before City cleared.

It was a frantic last ten minutes, and Hibs looked like they’d put the game to bed in the 82nd minute. Brownlie’s corner sailed to the back post, and captain Joelle Murray ghosted in and slammed the ball past Alexander to make it 2-0. City broke straight up the pitch though, and Hayley Lauder got on the end of Leanne Crichton’s long ball, but could only aim her shot straight at Fife. City were given a glimmer with four minutes remaining, when Siobhan Hunter swung wildly at a harmless looking long ball from the City midfield and sliced the ball into her own net. City pushed for an equaliser, but Hannah Stewart’s injury time shot that was saved routinely by Fife was as close as they came. Hibs deservedly into the final in a spicy game.

The Pies

I had been going on about how good Stirling Albion’s steak pies were to Kaitlin for some time in the run up to this game today. Thankfully, they lived up to the hype, being crammed full of large chunks of meat and lashings of thick gravy. Well worth the £2.50, and a bloody good lunch at the game.

Admission: £5
Programme: Free online
Pie: £2 (scotch), £2.50 (steak)
Bovril: £1.50
Attendance: 600 (approx)

Scotland v France

Scotland U19 0-5 France U19
SFA Women’s Under 19 Preparatory Tournament
Simple Digital Arena
Saturday 6th October 2018

With Scotland hosting the 2019 Women’s European Under 19 Championships, the youngsters don’t have to play any qualifiers, and are therefore missing out on important competitive games. This preparatory tournament is therefore giving the girls vital competitive action as well as acting as a test event for the main event next summer.

The Venue

I’ve talked plenty about St Mirren Park on the blog, and regular readers will know I’m a big fan of the place. The fact that it’s being used for the preparatory tournament fills me with real hope that it will be utilised for the finals, as it’s very easily accessible for me.

The Competition

Scotland and France have been joined by Spain and Denmark for this four team, round robin competition. With Scotland hosting the Women’s Under 19 European Championships next summer, this is being used as a test event with games being hosted here, Firhill in Glasgow, East End Park in Dunfermline and McDiarmid Park in Perth. These four venues give an idea of where the games will be played at the finals, although the official venues have yet to be confirmed. All four teams will play each other once in this tournament, which has the double function of giving Scotland’s youngsters somewhat competitive games in the run up to hosting the finals.

The Teams

Scotland carried over several players from last year’s Under 19s, who made the final qualifying round for the 2018 Championships. Notably, Jamie Lee Napier and Lauren Davidson of Hibs, Rangers’ Amy Muir and Leah Eddie and Michaela McAlonie of Spartans have experience in the Under 19s. They started off this tournament against current European Under 19 Champions Spain here in Paisley on Wednesday evening with a 1-0 defeat.

France also have several holdovers from their team who reached the 2018 finals. They started their campaign in Perth on Wednesday afternoon with a 3-2 victory against Denmark.

The Game

The full time nature of the French players was fairly evident right from the kickoff, as they showed a level of fitness and sharpness that was just above the young Scots. This was a very impressive French team, and on this showing, they will be hot contenders for the title should they return to our shores next July. The first chance of the game fell to Sarah Zahot, who headed Jessy Roux’s cross just wide of the post after just three minutes. Zahot had another excellent chance with 9 minutes played when she beat Scottish keeper Emily Mutch to the ball on the edge of the box. Zahot advanced with the ball, but Mutch recovered extremely well to make a good save.

With 18 minutes gone, Scotland were awarded a free kick when the ever lively Jamie-Lee Napier was fouled around 25 yards out. Captain Amy Muir had a shot from distance, but it was comfortably held by French goalkeeper Camille Pinel. France were on the front foot for the majority of the game, and with around 25 minutes gone, Sandy Baltimore forced Mutch into another good save with a pinpoint shot from a very tight angle. The French girls were highly impressive going forward and on the half hour Zahot forced superb blocks from jenna Clark and Leah Eddie in close succession on the edge of the box.

The French were extremely impressive in defence as well as going forward, with Océane Deslandes, Emeline Saint-Georges and Grace Kazadi dealing with everything Scotland could throw at them. Napier and Naomi Welch were working hard up front, but could not find a way past the wall of white shirts that surrounded every opportunity. France took a deserved lead with eight minutes of the first half remaining. Sonia Ouchene picked the ball up on the edge of the box and saw her initial shot blocked by Clark. But the ball rebounded to the French midfielder and she curled an excellent strike into the top corner. It was two just a few minutes later when a superb run from Roux on the right wing ended with an excellent low cross that was turned in by Loreno Azzaro. It was a deserved lead for the French at the break.

Any slim hopes of a Scotland comeback were dashed just three minutes into the second half. A defensive error from Rachel Brown saw the French gifted a corner, which was whipped low into the box by Baltimore. Zahot got her foot onto it and she blasted the ball past Mutch to make it 3-0. With 58 minutes on the clock, Azzaro worked the ball to the byeline and flicked the ball back across goal. Ouchene threw herself at the cross but could only divert her header wide of the post. Two minutes later, Roux ghosted past Muir down the French right wing and sent a low cross into the box that was stabbed just wide by Azzaro.

The introduction of Lauren Davidson for Welch almost paid dividends for Scotland on 67 minutes, as the Hibs forward worked well to send a cross into the box that was well cut out by Deslandes. Six minutes later, there were shouts for a penalty as Napier went down in the box under a challenge from Saint-Georges, but the shouts mainly stemmed from the stands rather than from the pitch.

With nine minutes remaining, the French went further ahead. Substitute Melvine Malard picked the ball up on the edge of the Scottish box and turned well before sending a low shot past Mutch. It was five just two minutes later when Amelie Delabere, who had only just come onto the pitch a matter of seconds before, turned beautifully 25 yards from goal, left Eddie in her wake and fired an unstoppable shot past the despairing Mutch. Whoever was working the scoreboard then had a moment to forget as the score kept going up, at one foint reading 29-0 to France. They were good, but Scotland were by no means bad enough to be that far behind!

Scotland pushed on for a consolation in the final five minutes or so, and the tireless Napier – the undoubted standout player for the Scots – danced past two French defenders only to see her cross cut out before it could reach Davidson. With 87 minutes gone, Scotland were awarded a free kick on the angle of the box as Napier was fouled on another promising looking run. Kaela McDonald-Nguah struck a wonderful effort that came back off the post before hitting Pinel and spinning out for a corner. Davidson had one final chance in stoppage time, but her shot was tame and easily held by pinel after a very decent run. It was a comfortable win for a French side that were full of quality, but despite the result, Scotland coach Pauline Hamill will still be able to find positives from the performance of her young team.

The Pies

I plumped for my standard Paisley steak pie, which as always delivered on texture and taste. Kaitlin had hot dog on the brain after smelling them all night at Braehead last night, so she plumped for one today. Rollover do bloody good hot dogs and this one was no exception. As a side note, look at my spot on sauce work on that dog!

Admission: Free
Programme: None
Pie: £2.60 (steak). £3.10 (hot dog)
Bovril: £1.50
Attendance: 362

Glasgow City v Somatio Barcelona

Glasgow City 0-1 Somatio Barcelona FA (2-1 aggregate)
UEFA Women’s Champions League Round of 32 Second Leg
Petershill Park
Thursday 27th September 2018

There have been some great Champions League nights at Petershill for Glasgow City, and last season’s so close it hurt comeback against BIIK Kazygurt will still be on the minds of many inside the ground tonight. City are in much better shape this year, with a 2-0 win in Cyprus a fortnight ago putting them in pole position to qualify from the tie.

The Venue

There’s no need to talk more about Petershill. There’s plenty of posts detailing it. The big net is taken down for Champions League games, and I wish it stayed down full time!

The Competition

The top 12 nations in the UEFA coefficients have the top two teams in their domestic league qualify for the competition, with the top 8 having both directly qualify for the knockout stage. In addition, the champions from the nations ranked 9-12 have their champions qualify directly. All other nations have their champions (and the runners-up from nations 9-12) enter a series of mini-tournaments, held over a week in a single location. There were ten groups of four, which the winners qualified for the knockout stage, along with the two best runners up.

Annoyingly, Scotland are ranked 13th in Europe, so have only one entrant this season, Glasgow City, who dramatically qualified in the closing minutes of their group. The knockout stage consists of two-legged home and away matches, right up to a one off final in a neutral venue – this year The Groupama Arena in Budapest.

The Teams

Since I last saw City, they have played just once, a comprehensive 6-0 win over Rangers at the weekend. Scott Booth has pretty much his entire squad to choose from this evening, although captain Leanne Ross is suspended after picking up a red card in the first leg.

Somatio Barcelona Football Academy are based on the outskirts of Limassol in Cyprus and were only formed in 2016. They won the Cypriot First Division in only their second season playing football and therefore qualified for the Champions League. They won all three of their qualifying group games in Slovenia against Olimpija Ljubljana, Slovan Bratislava and FC Minsk.

The Game

The tie was blown wide open after just six minutes when Barcelona’s American striker Krystyna Freda broke free of the City defence and slammed a shot high into the net beyond Lee Alexander. The sizeable crowd was silenced, but City didn’t crumble and began to come into the game on their own account.

There were chances at both ends, and in Particular, Ivorian winger Rebecca Elloh was causing serious problems for the City defence with her pace and strength. She also became somewhat of a pantomime villain with her rough housing tactics, and it’s only due to a lack of strength from the referee that she didn’t end up in the book. The shouts from the partisan crowd went a bit over the top at times, but the referee definitely didn’t do enough to stop the elbows and nudges from the Cypriots, and let them away with far too much play acting as well.

But despite the battering they were receiving, City held firm, and Sam Kerr in particular was an absolute star, winning absolutely everything that came her way on the ground and in the air. It was also another remarkably assured defensive performance from 16 year old Carly Girasoli, who was the modicum of calmness, even with the stakes as high as they were. Lee Alexander produced several good saves as the visitors piled forward, but it was to be City’s night despite the second leg result. Such a stark contrast from being eliminated at this stage last year despite a 4-1 home victory.

The Pies

Petershill’s pie stall did an absolute roaring trade tonight, with large queues throughout as the 500 plus crowd tried to keep warm as the temperature plummeted. I had eaten before the game, but couldn’t resist the pull of a portion of chips, which went down an absolute treat.

Admission: £10
Programme: None
Pie: £2
Bovril: £1
Attendance: 511

Renfrew v Glasgow City

Renfrew Ladies 0-11 Glasgow City
Scottish Women’s Cup Quarter Final
New Western Park
Sunday 16th September 2018

The Scottish Women’s Cup reaches the quarter final stage this weekend, and with several non-top flight teams left in the competition, there’s potential for some surprise semi-finalists. It looks unlikely to happen here as third tier Renfrew host 11 in a row champions Glasgow City, but stranger things have happened in football.

The Venue

I’ll refer back to this post for details on New Western Park, while mentioning what an excellent experience was put on today. It’s a fantastic venue, and the club went all out for the occasion.

The Teams

I saw Renfrew back at the start of the season when they were heavily beaten by Cumbernauld Colts. Since then they have gone onto have a pretty good season and sit in fifth place in SWFL Division One South. With development teams taking up the top two places in the division, there is potential for the club to win promotion with a strong end to the season.

Renfrew’s route to the quarter finals started with a thumping 13-0 win over Bonnyrigg Rose in the preliminary round, followed by a 3-2 win over United Glasgow in Round One. Their second round game saw them travel to Aberdeen, where they prevailed 12-0 over Dee Ladies, and they reached the quarters with a tight 2-1 win over Edinburgh Caledonian.

Since I last saw Glasgow City, they have beaten Stirling University to stay top of SWPL1, and this past midweek travelled to Cyprus to play Somatio Barcelona in the Champions League Round of 32. An excellent 2-0 win has put them in pole position to qualify for the last 16. They have defeated fellow SWPL1 sides Forfar Farmington 3-0, and Stirling University 5-0 to reach the quarter finals.

The Game

There may be two divisions between these two sides, but for the opening twenty minutes the gulf in class wasn’t as apparent as could have been expected. Renfrew were well organised defensively and were frustrating the eleven in a row Scottish champions. Lara Ivanuša and Jordan McLintock were linking up well on the left hand side, but Renfrew’s defence were coping well. The home side lost influential midfielder Emma Baird to injury after twenty minutes, and it seemed to knock them off their game plan as City started to find their feet.

With 25 minutes gone, Hayley Lauder played a lovely ball down the line to Ivanuša who cut inside and knocked the ball back to the advancing Lauder. Lauder’s shot took a deflection that took it past Sam McQuillan for the opening goal. From this point it was pretty much one way traffic, and Ivanuša had another chance two minutes later, but could only hit the side netting with a shot following a good run. Two minutes later, Kirsty Howat controlled the ball well just inside the box and forced McQuillan into a good save with a shot on the turn.

With half an hour played, City doubled their lead. Leanne Ross played a short corner routine with Lauder and Lauder’s cross was met by the head of Lidija Kuliš, who had been left unmarked in the centre of the box. The Bosnian’s first City goal was quickly followed by her second when she came off the front post to meet Ross’ corner to make it 3-0 with 33 minutes played. With 38 minutes on the clock, Hannah Stewart found space on the right wing and sent a low cross into the box. Lauder stepped onto the cross and side footed the ball into the back of the net for her second of the afternoon.

With three minutes remaining until half time, City hit their fifth. Kuliš played a ball forward from midfield that was met by a truly wonderful flick from Lauder. The flick found it’s way to Howat, who slipped the ball past McQuillan. City should have been further ahead by the break, but some wasteful finishing coupled with some excellent goalkeeping kept the score at 5 at half time.

It took just three minutes of the second half for City to extend their lead. Murron Cunningham played the ball back to McLintock around 30 yards out, and the former Hamilton player unleashed a spectacular high curling effort into the top corner of the net. It was a goal of real quality and five minutes later, it was followed up by quality of a different kind. City strung together almost twenty passes before Ivanuša hit the byeline and sent a ball across the goal. With almost too much time on her hands, Stewart bobbled the ball over the line from two yards out. With 57 minutes gone, Stewart had her second in almost identical circumstances. Ivanuša again beat several players down the left hand side and sent another low cross into Stewart who simply had to tap the ball in to make it 8-0.

With an hour gone, City were awarded a penalty when Howat got a push in the back from Kirsty McGunnigle while facing away from goal. It was a fairly soft award, but Renfrew’s pain was kept down when Ross’ penalty was saved well by substitute goalkeeper Lindsay Crawford. Ivanuša was continuing to cause Renfrew all sorts of problems and with 62 minutes played she skated by two defenders before cutting in and forcing Crawford to make a really smart save.

Ivanuša finally got her goal with 70 minutes gone when a defensive error from Eilidh McDonald allowed the Slovenian to slide the ball in to make it 9-0. The goal was no more than Ivanuša deserved for a fine performance on the left wing. She nearly had a second just a couple of minutes later when she was played in by Cunningham, but Crawford did very well to tip her shot off the bar and over. City reached double figures on 73 minutes when Megan Foley danced her way down the right and cut the ball back to Howat who squeezed her shot just inside the post.

With 76 minutes gone, Ivanuša once again found herself in space on the left following an excellent through ball from Sam Kerr. Ivanuša cut the ball back into the box and it was met by Jo Love who side footed City’s eleventh into the back of the net. City had chances to add to their lead, but it stayed at eleven, and despite the resounding scoreline, Renfrew can be proud of their performance against a team that contained several current international players. All eyes will now be on the semi-final draw, as City will find out who of Hibs, Spartans and Motherwell they will play in Stirling on October 14th.

The Pies

Renfrew’s snack bar offers a really good menu, and we both plumped for a cheeseburger today, which really hit the spot. It’s nice to see a club at this level giving punters a choice, and every time I’ve been here they’re always doing a roaring trade.

Admission: £3
Programme: £1
Pie: £1.50 (cheeseburger £2.50)
Bovril: £1
Attendance: 153

Falkirk v Boroughmuir Thistle

Falkirk Women 1-12 Boroughmuir Thistle
SWFL Division One South
Falkirk Stadium
Sunday 2nd September 2018

It’s international week which means that there’s no top flight women’s action this Sunday. Thankfully, the SWFL is still in full swing, and with a plethora of games to choose from, the inclement weather meant we headed for a proper stadium where we’d be sheltered from the rain. So a trip to the familiar surroundings of the Falkirk Stadium it was.

The Venue

This is my fourth visit to Falkirk since the inception of this blog, so no need to go into details. Although today was a little different as we entered through a gate to the side of the main stand, walked along the warm up track and then found a seat.

The Teams

As sometimes happens in the lower reaches of the women’s game, I’ve found it fairly difficult to get too much information on Falkirk. The club are a fully connected women’s and girls branch of the SPFL Championship side Falkirk, and as far as I can gather have been active for at least the past three seasons. They are unconnected with the former side Falkirk Ladies, who were formed in 1993 and counted Leanne Ross, Frankie Brown and Nicola Docherty among their former players. This side were absorbed by Stirling University and while initially a partnership, took on the branding Stirling University Development for the 2017 season. Falkirk played in SWFL Division One North last season, before transferring to the more geographically appropriate South division at teh start of this season. They are currently bottom of the table, with just one win to their name from 14 games.

Boroughmuir Thistle formed in 2007 and are the largest exclusively women’s and girls club in the Edinburgh area. The club won SWFL Division 2 in 2014 and have been members of the current Division One South since 2016. They are coached by Suzy Shepherd and are based at the Meggetland Complex. The club currently sit in ninth place in the league table, with 18 points from fourteen games, and are just two more wins from guaranteed safety from relegation this season.

The Game

This was one of the most one sided halves of football I’ve ever laid my eyes on, with Falkirk’s young team crumbling under a constant barrage of pressure from their clinical visitors. The scoring was opened after just eight minutes when Hannah Markley crossed into the box after some good work on the right wing. Her cross was met by Samantha Duncan who crashed a shot in off the underside of the bar. It was 2-0 five minutes later, when Ashleigh Clark kept the ball in play and found captain Alix Hogg Wilkinson six yards out. Wilkinson knocked the ball past the despairing Hannah Dean to double the visitors’ lead.

Less than a minute later it was 3-0, when Falkirk defender Connie Smith was dispossessed by Robin Gallagher, who rounded Dean and slotted the ball into the net. Gallagher had her second, and Boroughmuir’s fourth with 17 minutes gone, when a long ball beat Falkirk’s offside trap. Gallagher beat the onrushing Dean to the ball before taking it round her once again and squeezing it into the net. Only two minutes later, Borougmuir had a fifth when Duncan proved too strong for the Falkirk defence and squared the ball to Helen Templeton, who tapped it into the empty net.

It was constant pressure at this point, and Borough should have been further ahead with 23 minutes gone when Gallagher showed some excellent skill on the right before laying it to Markley, who somehow manged to skew her shot wide. A minute later though, the visitors had their sixth when Duncan broke from her own half and slotted past Dean in a one-on-one situation.

Falkirk did manage to stem the tide for a time, and were getting some payoff from playing a high line and catching Borough offside with alarming frequency. Some of the decisions looked borderline at best, but without the benefit of assistants, the referee’s job was difficult in that respect. Falkirk managed to get themselves on the scoresheet with 38 minutes gone, when Borough keeper Megane Steel badly sclaffed a clearance and allowed Rebecca Reid in to roll the ball into the empty net. A minute later though, Borough restored their six goal cushion, when Templeton’s shot from the edge of the box proved too powerful for Dean and almost went right through the keeper on it’s way in.

With three minutes until the break, Smith headed Markley’s shot off the line to prevent any further damage, but it only delayed what seemed to be the inevitable for around 45 seconds. Borough finally sprung the Falkirk offside trap and Gallagher pounced with a beautiful lofted shot over the head of Dean for her hat-trick. Not to be out done, Duncan had her own hat trick a minute or so later, when Falkirk’s high line was breached again, allowing the Borough forward to break free and slip a shot under Dean to make it 9-1 at the break.

Several Falkirk players left the field in tears at half time, and it was evident that they didn’t want a repeat performance in the second half as they came out far more composed and competitive. Bethany Adamson stung the hands of Steel in 49 minutes from the edge of the box, but it was still Borough who were creating the more clear cut chances, despite massive improvement from Falkirk.

The game looked to be fizzling out, but with the hosts tiring, Borough once again turned up the heat in the final fifteen minutes. With 76 minutes gone, Gallagher did well to time her run to beat the offside trap and cut the ball back from the byeline into the path of Duncan, who scored her fourth of the game with a powerful strike in off the underside of the bar. The roles were reversed six minutes later, when Duncan pounced on a defensive error and knocked the ball to Gallagher who rolled the ball into the net to grab her fourth.

As the game entered it’s final minute, Templeton became the third Borough player to score a hat trick when she latched onto a long ball into the box, and despite looking initially like she had taken too long, managed to squeeze the ball past Dean one final time. An afternoon to forget for the Falkirk side, who can at least hold their heads up high for the improvements they showed in the second half. A comprehensive victory for Borough, who take one more step to safety this season.

The Pies

I didn’t spot any of the serveries open today. In the absence of pies though, here is the Westie who made up part of the crowd.

Admission: Free
Programme: None
Pie: None
Bovril: None
Attendance: 41 (+1 dog)

Scotland v Switzerland

Scotland Women 2-1 Switzerland Women
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying – UEFA Group 2
The Simple Digital Arena
Thursday 30th August 2018

It’s a huge night in Paisley as Scotland play their final home qualifier of this World Cup campaign. It’s by far the biggest game of the qualifiers so far, and it’s time to get right behind the team as they aim to qualify for their first World Cup

The Venue

St Mirren Park has had a rebrand since my last visit as part of a four year sponsorship with local IT company Simple Digital Solutions. I’ve heard some criticism of corporate naming rights being sold for stadiums, but to me it can only be a good thing. It allows clubs an extra revenue stream, while making little to no difference to the overall match experience. In fact, in my experience, most fans refer to grounds by their original name or a nickname anyway. We had initially planned to sit in the East Stand tonight, but with a large crowd expected (which ended up being a record for the Scotland women’s side) entrance to the Main and East Stands were designated ticket only, with large queues at the ticket booths. So instead, we plumped to sit in the North Stand, which was operating a cash gate and settled into seats behind the goal, which offered what turned out to be an excellent view.

The Teams

Since I last saw Scotland, the team have played one match, a frantic 3-2 win in Poland, which saw the Scots 2-0 down with twelve minutes remaining before one of the all time great international comebacks. Lisa Evans’ winner in stoppage time will live long in the memory. With Switzerland having won the reverse fixture by one goal to nil, a two goal win would see Scotland top the group. A trip to Albania next Tuesday will complete the qualification group.

Switzerland have a 100% record in this qualifying group so far, and have a vastly superior goal difference to Scotland going into this match. Like Scotland, most of their squad play their domestic football outwith their own league, with a number of players plying their trade in Germany. They will finish the group with a tricky trip to Poland on Tuesday.

The Game

I didn’t take notes tonight, as I was more interested in soaking in the atmosphere and getting behind the team, so this is a much abridged version of my usual match report.

The game absolutely burst into life with just over a minute on the clock. Kim Little pounced as Switzerland tried to play it out from the back and found Lisa Evans, who played the ball through to Erin Cuthbert on the edge of the box. Cuthbert turned before drilling a low shot into the corner of the net via a slight deflection off Luana Bühler. It was the perfect start and it was to get better for Scotland with just five minutes gone. Little played a fantastic one-two with Evans before cutting into the box and firing a shot across goal. The ball once again struck Bühler and nestled into the net inside the front post.

The pulsating start to the match was to continue though as just two minutes later, Switzerland got themselves back into the game through their captain Lara Dickenmann. She found Geraldine Reuteler in space on the left wing and the ball was cut back to Dickenmann who slotted it coolly home from around the penalty spot. The game settled down somewhat going forward, as Switzerland began to find their stride, with Ramona Bachmann in particular causing issues for the Scotland defence. But the home side held firm and went into the break ahead.

The second half saw the Scots throw everything at their opponents, but could not find the breakthrough needed to restore the two goal lead that would have seen them top the group. It was a fantastic effort from the girls, and in hindsight an excellent win. It’s all to play for in the remaining group matches on Tuesday.

The Pies

The pies at St Mirren are usually fantastic, but we didn’t have any tonight on account of having been to Tony Macaroni beforehand. Seriously, their Presto menu is a thing of beauty. Even if we had fancied a pie though, the servery in the North Stand was absolutely stowed at half time, and it looked like quite a few people missed the start of the second half while standing in the queue.

Admission: £5
Programme: Free
Pie: £2.20 (Scotch) £2.60 (Steak, chicken curry, macaroni, cheese & bean)
Bovril: £1.50
Attendance: 4,098

Hamilton v Glasgow City

Hamilton Academical Women 1-4 Glasgow City
SWPL1
The Hope CBD Stadium
Sunday 26th August 2018

With Glasgow City playing away at a ground I’ve never visited before less than an hour from my house, the lure of the game was just too high today despite the 4 o’clock kick off being later than I’d like for a Sunday. So off we went to Hamilton for some more SWPL action.

The Venue

New Douglas Park (currently named the Hope CBD Stadium in a “controversial” sponsorship deal with a CBD oil firm based at the ground) was completed in 2001. Named after the club’s former home Douglas Park – now the Sainsbury’s supermarket across the road – which was demolished in 1995. Accies had been homeless for the six year period between vacating Douglas Park and the new stadium being built, playing home games at Albion Rovers’ Cliftonhill and Partick Thistle’s Firhill in the interim. The stadium consists of two stands, one full length sideline stand and one that sits at an end behind one of the goals.

The seating areas are elevated , giving unobstructed views of the pitch, and allowing the catering outlets to sit under the seating areas. This means that you can still watch the game while queuing for a pie, which is a nice touch. The total capacity of the two stands is 5,510. When Accies were promoted to the SPL in 2008, a “temporary” stand was constructed on the opposite side to the main stand in order to bring the capacity above the minimum regulated 6,000 for the division. This temporary stand is still in place.

After the TigerTurf artificial surface was voted the worst surface of all 42 SPFL grounds by players earlier this year, a new Greenfields MX artificial pitch was laid over the summer, meaning Accies Women played their home games at Strathclyde Park. The new surface looks absolutely fantastic. New Douglas Park is a charming little ground, and a pleasant place to watch a game of football.

The Teams

Hamilton Academical Women’s Football Club were initially formed in 1999 as Hamilton Athletic, and were promoted in each of their first three seasons to reach the SWPL. They played their first SWPL season as FC Hamilton before a formal link up with the long established men’s club with whom they now share their name. Gary Doctor is the current manager. Accies have had a tough season and find themselves having slipped into the relegation spot at the bottom of the table with Spartans win at Rangers just before kick off here today. Former Glasgow City youngster Kodie Hay plays against her old side.

Having covered City’s last two games, there’s very little to add today. Hayley Lauder, Lidija Kuliš, Joanne Paton and Murron Cunningham do all miss out through injury, with places in the squad once again for development team players Karsey McGlinchey and Laura McCartney. With Hibs having beaten Celtic 7-2 earlier in the day, a victory by three clear goals would take City back to the top of the table on goal difference.

The Game

City started the game on the front foot, and with just three minutes gone Lara Ivanuša created a good chance when she somehow managed to keep a hold of the ball under heavy pressure. Her layoff to Kirsty Howat was promising, but Howat could only fire over the bar. Four minutes later, City had another early lead. Abbi Grant brushed past sixteen year old Elise McCormick – making her Accies debut after an injury to Rachel Ross in the warm up – and cut the ball back to Sam Kerr. Kerr side footed a careful, accurate shot into the bottom corner of the net.

A minute later, it could have been 2-0 when Nicola Docherty broke on the left wing, but her cross managed to evade both Howat and Megan Foley. City being unable to convert chances despite near constant pressure was to become a feature of the first half. Ivanuša, Howat, Kerr and Jo Love all had what looked to be decent chances, but some poor finishing kept the score at just 1-0.

With half time approaching, and City coach Scott Booth becoming visibly more and more frustrated on the sideline, the visitors created two of their best chances. Firstly, Docherty struck the inside of the post after an excellent cutback from Love. And on the stroke of half time Foley made a good run down the right and forced a good save from Lauren Grant who managed to turn the ball behind.

City made a change at the break when Jordan McLintock was brought on to replace Love. It looked briefly like she may not be able to enter the fray, as she was wearing Joanne Paton’s number 19 jersey instead of her own number 21. McLintock disappeared into the dugout, appearing a minute later with tape covering Paton’s name and the second half was finally able to start. The second half started in much the same way as the first had gone, with City seeing a lot of the ball, but doing very little of any consequence with it. Accies were trying their best to get back into the game, but any attempts at counter attacks were being dealt with swiftly.

City’s breakthrough came with an hour gone. McLintock caused some difficulties for the Accies defence and won a corner. Docherty went over to take it and swung a ball towards the front post. Carly Girasoli ghosted in and glanced a header past Grant to double the visitors’ lead. Two minutes later it was three when Foley beat several Accies players on the right hand side and whipped an excellent cross to the back post which was met by the head of McLintock to score against her former club.

The game settled back into familiar rhythms until the seventy second minute. Accies managed to clear the ball after Grant almost fumbled the ball into her own net. The ball broke to Leanne Ross, who played it into Grant. Grant turned and blasted an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. Three minutes later, Docherty’s tantalising front post cross was struck by McLintock, who saw her shot well saved by Grant.

With five minutes remaining, Accies got themselves a consolation goal. Lori Gardner pounced on a loose ball near the halfway line, and managed to keep the chasing Girasoli at bay before slotting the ball under Lee Alexander. The game wasn’t quite finished yet and with a minute left, City substitute Karsey McGlinchey struck the woodwork from distance for the second week in a row. Her dipping drive coming off the top of the bar.

Despite the scoreline, it was a disjointed and ultimately disappointing performance from the reigning champions, but enough to take them back to the top of the table with just six games to go.

The Pies

There was a near full catering service on offer today, and Kaitlin and I both had a steak pie. I was especially impressed by the gravy, which was rich and silky, tasting fantastic. It was another steak pie that held together really well, and I was extremely impressed.

Admission: £5
Programme: Free online
Pie: £2
Bovril: £1
Attendance: 140 (approx)

Glasgow City v Stirling University

Glasgow City 5-0 Stirling University Women
Scottish Women’s Cup Third Round
Whitehill Secondary School
Wednesday 22nd August 2018

This game was originally scheduled to be played ten days ago along with the rest of the third round ties, but due to City’s participation in the Champions League qualifiers, it was rescheduled for tonight. The sole remaining non SWPL side in the competition, Renfrew of SWFL Division One South will host the winners in the quarter finals.

The Venue

Whitehill Secondary School is a high school in the Dennistoun area of Glasgow’s east end. It currently has a roll of around 450 students and is possibly the strangest venue I’ve ever seen a Scottish Cup match played. Petershill was unavailable for this rescheduled tie, and from what I understand, Glasgow City had a bit of a hard time finding a suitable venue. So to Whitehill, and it’s 3G cage. And that’s about all that there is to say about it. This is a standard 3G pitch, with the requisite green cage, and no amenities. The entire crowd spent the first half watching from outside the cage, but around half ventured inside for the second half, mostly leaning against the cage as far away from the pitch as they could.

The pitch did look in fantastic condition, and I’ve never really felt that the cages are too much of a detriment to watching a game, so I found it perfectly adequate – especially given that no entrance fee was charged. Although I say it was adequate, I do mean as a one off in exceptional circumstances, and I don’t want to see the women’s game at the top level ending up going down this route more often. Interestingly, the school does have some football pedigree, with current Scotland international James McArthur counted among it’s former pupils, along with comedy legends Ricki Fulton and Still Game’s Ford Kiernan.

The Teams

As I literally saw City three days ago, there’s not a lot extra to say about them here. The 6-0 win on Sunday took City back to the top of SWPL1 on goal difference as their back and forth battle for the title with Hibs continues. They reached the third round stage of the cup with a 3-0 win away to Forfar Farmington. Jenna Clark is cup tied, having played with Rangers in the second round, and misses out as a result.

Stirling University reached the last 16 with a 4-1 win over SWPL2 side FC Kilmarnock in a “home” game played at Little Kerse in Grangemouth (apparantly ties in this competition are frequently moved from teams’ regular home grounds). They currently sit in sixth place in the SWPL1 table, ahving had a rough season so far. Head coach Barry Rodgers strengthened his side over the summer by signing Abby Callaghan from Celtic, Naomi Welch from SWPL2 side Central Girls, and American Kendra Bonsall from NCAA Division I side Cal Poly Mustangs.

The Game

Stirling started the game on the front foot and had three very decent chances inside the first five minutes. With just around 90 seconds gone, a cross from Kendra Bonsall was met by the head of Naomi Welch, and the striker really should have done better than turning her effort harmlessly over the bar. Two minutes later, a mix up in the City defence almost allowed Welch in again, but Megan Foley got over quickly to cover and clear the danger away. Stirling’s early pressure didn’t subside though, and with five minutes on the clock, Bonsall latched onto a through ball and forced a smart save from Erin Clachers in the City goal, when she narrowed the angle well.

Stirling continued to press without really troubling the City defence, and it took a while for the home side to get a grip on the game. With fifteen minutes gone, Nicola Docherty broke on the left wing and sent a teasing cross into the box. Leanne Crichton got the deftest of flicks on the ball and saw it cannon back off the post to the relief of Chloe Logan in the Stirling goal. Docherty was again looking sharp, and with 23 minutes played, it was her ball again that gave Abbi Grant a chance from the angle of the box. Grant controlled the ball well, but could only fire her shot into the arms of Logan.

Three minutes later, City had another chance when Kirsty Howat picked the ball up at the edge of the box, but couldn’t get enough purchase on her shot to cause any damage. The deadlock was broken as the game reached the half hour. A pinpoint long ball from Jo Love found Grant near the edge of the Stirling box, who carried it forward and sent an excellent shot under the despairing Logan into the back of the net. City almost doubled their lead three minutes later, when Docherty’s inswinging corner was met by Carly Girasoli. The teenager’s powerful header was saved spectacularly at pint blank range by Logan, keeping the score 1-0.

With half time approaching, both sides had chances to change the tide of the game. With 39 minutes gone, a fantastic run from Jordan McLintock saw a superb cross met by the head of Hannah Stewart, who really should have doubled City’s lead but headed the ball straight at Logan. And with just two minutes until the break, Stirling were awarded a bizarre free kick 25 yards out when Sam Kerr was penalised even though it appeared that two Stirling players had run into each other in her general vicinity. Lisa Sutherland stepped up and rattled the bar with the free kick. City scrambled the ball clear and it remained 1-0 at half time.

City came out all guns blazing in the second half and very nearly doubled their lead just seconds from the restart. Grant did well to beat two Stirling defenders on the right hand side and played in Stewart. Her shot across the goal came back off the post into the path of Kerr, who bundled the ball over the line, but had strayed into an offside position from the initial shot. City did score again though just five minutes later. Howat found Jordan McLintock just inside the box, and the former Hamilton midfielder held off the challenge of Lauren Eadie before turning and firing an unstoppable drive past Logan and in off the post. City were flying, and it was 3-0 just two minutes later. Docherty found Howat midway between the halfway line and penalty box, and City’s number 9 danced past two Stirling defenders before unleashing a fantastic strike past Logan into the net.

Welch did manage to break forward for Stirling with 63 minutes played, but Foley delt well with the danger as she entered the box. A minute later, the game was out of sight. Docherty found space on the left and played the ball into Howat, who turned and struck the ball beautifully past Logan into the bottom corner. With 69 minutes gone, it was Docherty causing problems for Stirling again when her tenacious play near the corner flag led to McLintock’s cross being knocked just over the bar by Grant.

City were enjoying themselves and made it 5-0 with 8- minutes gone. Docherty’s corner was half cleared by Gemma Mason, and picked up at the edge of the box by Grant, who turned sharply and knocked the net off it’s fixings with the power of her shot, her 20th goal of the season in all competitions. City had further chances to score in the last ten minutes, but despite near constant pressure couldn’t find another way through. Nevertheless, it was another dominating performance, and the 5-0 final score did not flatter them in the slightest.

The Pies

This is a high school after hours, so unsurprisingly there was no food this evening.

Admission: Free
Programme: None
Pie: None
Bovril: None
Attendance: 55 (approx)

Glasgow City v Forfar Farmington

Glasgow City 6-0 Forfar Farmington
SWPL1
Petershill Park
Sunday 19th August 2018

While I suppose I’m somewhat of a groundhopper in a sense, if I have an affinity for a team, I’m definitely more likely to watch one of their games than look for somewhere I’ve never been to solely for that reason. It does mean that there will be a lot of repeat teams and grounds on this blog, but a groundhopping journal was never my intention. Case and point is Glasgow City. I’ve been watching them since I started with women’s football a couple of years ago, and I’ve developed an affinity towards them that leads me to watch them more than any other team on a Sunday afternoon. So here we are at Petershill again!

The Venue

As I seem to be saying fairly regularly right now, I’ve written about Petershill before, and I’d just be going over the same ground again. I did, however find the members’ entrance to the old Pershill Park when I inexplicably turned down the wrong street. It was actually far too exciting a moment, probably because I had no idea it even existed any more. It’s probably somewhere I’ll come back to and take a wander around for an entry in the Historical Grounds section, given it’s history and significance.

The Teams

Since I last saw Glasgow City, they have played three times, all in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying section that they hosted in Edinburgh. After a disappointing opening defeat to Belgian champions Anderlecht, wins against Georgians FC Martve and Polish champions Górnik Łęczna saw them win the group and qualify for the Round of 32. The draw took place on Friday and paired City with Cypriot champions Barcelona FA.

Forfar Farmington, while based at Station Park in the town, have no link to the SPFL League One side Forfar Athletic, and were founded in 1984 as a fully independent women’s team. Their league records since formation mean they are the second most successful women’s team who operate completely independently from any men’s clubs. The club got their name when founder Colin Brown was invited to Farmington, Connecticut in 1980 with a local boy’s club. The following year, the American’s returned the visit, bringing with them a girls team, which was the catalyst for a girls, then women’s team in the town.

The club’s greatest success came in 2005, when they defeated Inverness to win the SWFL League Cup. That season they gained promotion to the SWPL, where they have remained ever since. Since the SWPL split into it’s current two division structure, the club has bounced between the two levels, gaining promotion back to SWPL1 by winning the 2017 SWPL2 title. Mark Nisbet is the team’s head coach.

The Game

City sparked into life almost right away and with just three minutes gone they took the lead after an early spell of pressure. Carly Girasoli played a long ball down the left to Nicola Docherty, who crossed the ball into the box. Abbi Grant’s attempt was cleared to Lidija Kuliš. Her strike was blocked but broke to Sam Kerr, who struck from close to the penalty spot. Cassie Cowper stuck out a leg in an attempt to block, but could only help the ball into the net. (Kerr was officially credited with the goal, even though I’d have probably called it an O.G.) With nine minutes gone, Kirsty Howat broke into the box and was just about to pull the trigger when an excellent tackle from Megan McCarthy broke up the chance.

City continued to press and with 11 minutes gone, a well worked short corner from Leanne Ross led to Jo Love hitting the side netting from just inside the area. Four minutes later, Megan Foley’s cross was headed just wide by Grant and with twenty minutes on the clock, Grant hit the side net when she shot from Docherty’s cross.

It was near constant pressure from City, but they could not find another way through the Forfar defence. Around the half hour mark, Kuliš had a strike from the right hand edge of the box, but it was held fairly routinely by Fiona McNicoll. Five minutes from half time, Kuliš played in Howat, who turned superbly and fired a shot inches over the bar from the edge of the D. As half time approached, Docherty launched a shot from distance that was spilled by McNicoll, but Howat couldn’t set her feet in time to put her follow up on target. City coach Scott Booth looked extremely unhappy at his side’s inability to extend their lead as the teams went inside for the break.

Whatever Booth said to his players at half time seemed to hit home, as their lead was doubled within three minutes of the restart. Kuliš’ cross was half cleared, but Love got onto the ball at the edge of the box and side-footed the ball through a ruck of players to nestle just inside the post. Two minutes later it was three. Foley crossed the ball into the box and Love met it with a fantastic diving header, giving McNicoll no chance. With 52 minutes gone, a fantastic passage of play on the right hand side between Foley and Howat saw a tempting cross played into the back post. Kuliš came in to meet it, but was just an inch or two too short to get anything on it.

Foley was causing all sorts of issues for the Forfar defence, and with 58 minutes played it was her work on the right wing that set up City’s fourth goal. Her maurauding run ended with a low cross into the box that Howat stepped onto and unleashed a shot. The ball cannoned off the underside of the bar and bounced just over the line. The referee took some time to reflect and awarded the goal – with replays confirming it was the correct decision. It was frantic action, with Forfar almost getting themselves on the scoresheet just a minute later. Megan Robb’s cross eluded Lee Alexander in the City goal and came back off the bar. Rebecca Dempster put the ball back across the goal and it was knocked in by Cheryl Kilcoyne, but the offside flag had been raised and the goal was ruled out.

With 62 minutes played, Docherty picked up the ball inside her own half and took off down the right wing. After a fantastic run, she crossed the ball around 15 yards out, looping over the head of McNicoll and nestling in the back of the net. Docherty’s reaction to the goal showed that she definitely hadn’t meant to score, but it was a spectacular goal nonetheless. Booth took the opportunity to rest several players during the second half, with several of the club’s young players getting run-outs as substitutes.

With 84 minutes gone, one of those youngsters, 16 year old Karsey McGlinchey came agonisingly close to her first senior goal. The ball broke to McGlinchey around 30 yards out and she struck the ball beautifully on the volley only to see it crash off the post with McNicoll beaten. The action wasn’t over though, as City were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute. Love’s shot came off the hand of McCarthy and the referee had no choice but to give one of the easiest penalties he’ll ever award. Ross stepped up to drill the ball into the net and give City a well deserved 6-0 win.

The Pies

The Petershill cafe was open this afternoon selling hot rolls, paninis and chips. I didn’t sample anything, but it did all look pretty good.

Admission: £5
Programme: None (but old programmes on sale, 5 for £1)
Pie: None (Rolls £2.20, Chips £2)
Bovril: Other hot drinks from £2
Attendance: 110 (approx)

Anderlecht v Górnik Łęczna

RSC Anderlecht Féminin 0-1 GKS Górnik Łęczna
UEFA Women’s Champions League Qualifying Round Group 3
Ainslie Park
Friday 10th August 2018

Glasgow City are the hosts for one of the mini-tournaments that comprise the qualifying stages of this year’s Women’s Champions League. With all the other games taking place while I’m at work, I took advantage of my half day Friday to make the familiar trip to Ainslie Park in order to catch the only game of the competition I’m able to see.

The Venue

Despite Glasgow City being the hosts for this group, the 2018 European Championships taking place in Glasgow at the moment meant that the visiting teams and officials could not be given sufficient accommodation in the city. The decision was therefore made to hold the group in Edinburgh, with Oriam at Heriot-Watt University and here at Ainslie Park being selected as the venues. I wrote about Ainslie Park here so won’t go in to details again. It’s an excellent venue for a game such as this, and always an accommodating and welcoming place to visit.

The Teams

RSC Anderlecht Féminin are the women’s team of the larger RSC Anderlecht club. They were initially formed in 1971 as Brussels Dames 71 before relocating to Anderlecht in 1993. As Anderlecht the club won the Belgian championship three times in the nineties before becoming founder members of the BeNe League, a joint top tier women’s league between Belgium and the Netherlands, in 2012. After three seasons, this league was disbanded and the two nations went back to their own national leagues. Anderlecht won the Super League Vrouwenvoetbal for the first time in the 2017-18 season in order to qualify for the Champions League. They defeated Glasgow City 2-1 in a tightly fought contest on Tuesday to open their campaign.

Polish Champions GKS Górnik Łęczna were formed in 2002, and are part of the larger sports club that shares their name. The first gained promotion to the Ekstraliga Kobiet in 2010 and won their first championship last season, finishing 9 points clear of second placed KKS Czarni Sosnowiec. They dismantled Georgian champions FC Martve 12-0 in their first game of the campaign on Tuesday.

The Game

Glasgow City had defeated Martve 7-0 earlier in the afternoon, meaning an Anderlecht victory would seal qualification. With just four minutes on the clock, the Belgians had the first chance of the match when Tine de Caigny knocked the ball across the face of the goal after reaching the byeline. Ştefania Vătafu arrived at the back post and got her head onto the ball, but it ended up wide of the post. With ten minutes played, Anderlecht were again on the offensive, and a looping deep cross from Sarah Wijnants was met by the head of Ella van Kerkhoven who could only find the side netting with her header.

With 17 minutes on the clock an dreadful header back towards her goalkeeper from Laura Deloose allowed Emilia Zdunek what looked like a glorious one-on-one opportunity against Anderlecht keeper Justien Odeurs. The Polish forward seemed to be lacking confidence though and attempted to square a pass instead of shooting, which was cut out and cleared from danger. Two minutes later, Wijnants played the ball into Elke van Gorp, who was forced wide by the GKS defence, but still managed to draw a decent save from Klaudia Kowalska in goal. With 25 minutes gone, GKS had a chance when Agata Guśicora headed just wide of the post from a wide free kick.

Both sides were lacking in composure in the final third and this showed with just over half an hour gone when Vătafu played in Wijnants, who struggled to deal with the ball in the box and took it far too wide to capitalise on the chance. With 39 minutes gone, a free kick from Anderlecht captain Laura Deneve was missed by everyone including Kowalska, but bounced off the head of de Caigny, who knew nothing about it, and was cleared by GKS.

WIth five minutes remaining in the half, GKS took the lead when Oduers allowed a tame looking effort from Dominika Grabowska wide on the right to slip past her. The ball cannoned back off the post and was turned into the empty net by Sylwia Matysik who was arriving at the back post. Taking the lead seemed to spur the Poles on, with Zdunek and Ewelina Kamczyk both having decent chances, but it remained 1-0 at the break.

Anderlecht came out with a renewed vigour in the second half, and van Kerkhoven had a decent opportunity just 90 seconds after the restart, but hooked her shot wide of the post after getting into a good position. A few minutes later, GKS really should have doubled their lead after a great run on the right hand side from Kamczyk. She played a wonderful ball into Weronika Zawistowska, on as a half time substitute, but the 18 year old spooned her effort way over the top. With 54 minutes gone, Wijnants again found herself in a great position after beating a couple of GKS defenders, but she saw a powerful strike well saved by Kowalska.

Anderlecht were seeing a lot of the ball in the second half, but maintained a lack of composure in the final third and were lacking the cutting edge they required to get back on level terms. GKS were looking dangerous on the counter attack, but also lacking a killer instinct, as shown on 64 minutes. Grabowska played an exellent ball into the box towards Matysik, but she took too long to get the ball under control and eventually had her shot blocked by Deneve.

The final twenty minutes saw Anderlecht try in vain to break down a stubborn GKS defence with no luck. Their best chances came from long range free kicks from Sheryl Merchiers, who’s delivery into the box really deserved better than the return she was getting. With three minutes to play, a Merchiers free kick found the head of van Kerkhoven. The initial header was cleared, but only as far as Vătafu, who struck a shot from around twelve yards that rattled the bar and was scrambled away by the GKS defence. It was as close as Anderlecht came to an equaliser, and the result leaves absolutely everything to play for in Monday’s closing matches in the group, with both of these teams and Glasgow City still able to finish top of the table.

The Pies

The four o’clock kick off time was too late for lunch and too early for dinner, so no pies were had today.

Admission: Free
Programme: None (free teamsheet available)
Pie: £2
Bovril: £1
Attendance: 95 (approx – including the Glasgow City players and coaches)