Ladies' 1s
Captain: Jane Robertson
Season 09/10 Match Reports
Saturday 26th September
Borders (H) - Lost 2-1
Another Saturday and another sunny day at Tipperlinn! Spirits were high after an excellent start to the season, but the team knew that the Borders team would be difficult opponents. Unfortunately, the girls’ nerves showed early on in the first half and, with Borders putting a lot of pressure on the defence, it wasn’t long before they conceded a goal from a penalty corner. The experienced midfield of the more confident opposition kept the pressure on Watsonian’s and, disappointedly, the girls conceded a further goal from open play.
However, Watsonian’s were now fired up and there were more and more glimpses of the fantastic passing seen in the first match of the season. The forwards made some excellent breaks and their efforts paid off after a skilful touch from youngster Natasha Jacobs left the ball in the perfect position for Ali Neilson to slot it past the keeper. Watsonian’s were now back in the game and kept the pressure on Borders in their circle, with some near misses and several goal-line scrambles that were valiantly kept out by the Borders’ defence.
The girls were much improved in the second half and with the defence now dealing well with the Borders’ attackers, the forwards continued to make goal-scoring chances. A penalty flick was eventually awarded to Watsonian’s but unfortunately was saved by the Borders goalkeeper. An equaliser seemed to be achievable but time ran out for the team, and they were disappointed not to add to their points tally in the table. However, the promising game-play and fighting spirit the girls showed in this match demonstrates the potential of this young team for the rest of the season.
Cheryl Dunlop
Saturday 12th September
Haddington (H) Won 3-1
The sun was shining and confidence was high as Watsonian’s Ladies 1st XI took to the pitch for their first match of the season. Having spent the second half of last season in National League 1, the team was keen to continue their success this year and get an early 3 points on the board.
The girls made an excellent start with some great movement of the ball around the pitch and superb attacking, so it wasn’t long before the pressure took its toll on the opposition, with Ali Neilson comfortably converting a penalty corner. The defence had more work to do leading up to half-time but some fantastic defending from recently returned Ellie McCleary made sure Haddington couldn’t get a foot-hold.
The girls came out fighting again at the start of the second half and Ali Neilson added to her tally with a deft lob over the keeper. Haddington, however, kept fighting and managed to pull one back soon after. This was always going to be Watsonian’s game though, and after Haddington conceded a penalty flick near the end of the match, it was Ali Neilson who stepped up to convert it for a well-earned hat-trick.
3-1 the final score and a very encouraging start to the 2009-2010 season.
Cheryl Dunlop
