Ladies 1's release Watsonians Warrior

It was the first game back after the long Christmas break. The Ladies 1s had to dust off the cobwebs as we prepared to face CALA, one of our Edinburgh rivals.

We started at a fast pace linking our passes well and making CALA work hard. CALA were finding it hard to breakdown our attack and chances fell for all our strikers but no one was able to capitalise. At times we were a bit too slow working back, which lead to a break away down the lines from CALA attackers. Thankfully our two young defenders Ellie Wilson and Lucy Nickerson stayed composed, putting in crucial tackles to win the ball. The first chance fell to Heather Elder who received the ball just within the attacking half and was through for a 1v1 with the keeper. Unfortunately, the keeper made a great save to keep it 0-0. It was CALA who got the break through first around the 25th minute with one of their U-18 Scotland players getting past the defence and hitting a reverse shot into the net of the goal. Normally at this point the ladies 1's are guilty of letting their heads go down but we kept battling on and knew we had to keep composed and 'trust in the process.' The equaliser came when Katie MacCallum used her pace and skills to take the keeper on 1v1. A little flick over the keeper and the ball was in the net. We went in 1-1 at half time.

We went out and started the second half strongly, linking well down the line, holding up the play and most importantly protecting the goal. Nikki Robertson was having a good day in goals not giving the CALA players any space. We stayed defensively strong and reacted to the quick turn overs, even making a tackle without holding a stick (Anna Cameron). A green card was shown to Lucy Nickerson for a tackle which helped slow down the CALA attack. It was the last few minutes we just needed an outcome. Anna Cameron dribbled down the left hand side and flicked in a bobbling ball causing the defence all sorts of problems, resulting in a short corner. The full time whistle went before the corner was played out. Everyone set up around the D ready for the corner. The ball came out and was switched to the side and then put across the penalty spot only for Katherine Holdgate to hit an upright reverse through the keeper’s legs and hitting the back board.

It was a result that was well deserved by the ladies and a crucial 3 points to help us climb up the table. Heads never dropped and we fought right to the end. Well done to Katherine Holdgate who earned man of the match. We look forward to welcoming Clydesdale Western next Saturday and Edinburgh Uni in the cup on Sunday.

Goals

Katherine Holdgate - 1

Katie MacCallum - 1

By Mairi Shaw