Port Juniors Ladies 4–3 Edinburgh South
(Scottish Women’s Recreational Football League, first round)
PORT Glasgow Juniors’ Ladies progressed to the next round of the cup with an exciting 4–3 victory over Edinburgh South under the lights at Parklea.
Despite blustery conditions, the weather remained dry and both teams started brightly.
Juniors, enjoying strong home support, took control from the opening exchanges, pressing high and creating early chances. Alana’s initial effort forced a corner, from which Amy opened the scoring. The home side continued to dominate possession and looked dangerous on every attack. Another effort from Alana was well saved, but Eilidh reacted quickest to convert the rebound and double the lead.
Edinburgh South pulled one back midway through the first half to make it 2–1. However, five minutes before the break, Alana restored Juniors’ two-goal cushion with a well-taken header, with assist from Lynsey, sending the teams in at half-time at 3–1.
The next goal proved crucial, and it came from another header, this time from debutant Lyndsay, extending the lead to 4–1. Shortly after, Rachel produced a superb save to maintain the advantage, but from the resulting corner Edinburgh South scored to reduce the deficit to 4–2.
With ten minutes remaining, Juniors began to look fatigued and a little nervy. Edinburgh South applied sustained pressure, winning four corners in quick succession. The visitors scored again with five minutes left, making it 4–3 and setting up a tense finish.
The Juniors girls showed great resilience in the closing stages, managing the game well and pushing the ball up field to relieve pressure, eventually holding on for a hard-fought victory.
Goals: Amy, Eilidh, Alana, Lynsey
Referee’s Player of the Match: Captain Eilidh
Coaches George Mac praised the team, saying: “This was a hard-fought and well earned win with some good football in spells.”
Tribute was paid to Rachel who volunteered to go in goal after late goalkeeper sickness, producing an outstanding performance between the posts.
