5-1 Victory against Edinburgh Rivals

The sun was shining at Peffermill as the Ladies 1s prepared to face local Edinburgh rivals ESM in their second league clash of the weekend. A hard fought 2-2 draw the previous day against 5th placed Western Wildcats secured an important point for the team. Post match ice baths after Saturday’s clash and a comprehensive video analysis session by coach Keith Smith ensured the squad were well prepared for an important game – with positions in the lower half of National 1 remaining tight.

Watsonians got off to a strong start, securing a penalty corner after a period of sustained pressure early in the first half. ESM retaliated by playing to their strengths – a quick break through the centre lead to an early goal for ESM. Watsonian’s Captain Nikki Stobie made the score line even minutes later after finding the back of the net from a succession of well executed passes from her team mates. Katie MacCallum then took the score line to 2-1 just before the half time whistle.

ESM continued to look dangerous in the second half as they attempted to play quick balls to their pacey forwards, searching for breaches in the Watsonians’ defence. Scotland star Emily Newlands, recently returned from the South African tour, dominated the centre of the park alongside Ruth Moffett, Katherine Holdgate and Bethan Mann, breaking down the ESM midfield and frequently turning over possession in Watsonian’s favour. Emily Newlands found Heather Elder in the D who made the score line 3-1 early into the second half. After a number of penalty corners well defended by ESM, Emily Newlands added another goal after an impressive piece of skill from Bethan Mann, making the score 4-1.

Watsonian’s GK Nikki Robertson made some important saves in the final 15 minutes, comprehensively defending a number of ESM attacks and penalty corners. Half backs Lucy Nickerson and Ellie Wilson switched the ball quickly round the back, finding midfielders Alex Robertson, Anna Cameron and Olivia McMahon in attacking positions. Impressive leg work from forwards Mairi Shaw, Heather Elder, Nikki Stobie and Katie MacCallum maintained the pressure on ESM. After a number of consecutive chances for Watsonians, striker Heather Elder lifted the ball over the heads of the ESM defence, after a ‘rammy’ on the penalty spot, making the score-line 5-1 at the final whistle.

A true team performance led to 3 points safely on the board for the Ladies 1s, well done to the whole squad and coach Keith Smith for an impressive win. A big thank you to all our supporters over the course of the weekend. The team face Edinburgh University at Peffermill next Saturday in their second to last league game of the season.