Ladies
The Ladies unbeaten run looked certain to be broken at the weekend as they went 3-0 down by half time to Renfrew Stallions.
The weather for the game was typical of a Scottish autumnal day. Howling winds, teaming rain and bitter temperatures was the setting, but with a Scottish twist of warm sunshine sporadically thrown in for good measure!
With this fixture set to be a tough contest, the first goal was going to be crucial.
The ‘Well ladies started strongly and pressed Renfrew high in their own half, almost breaking the deadlock within the first 10 minutes of the game.
Unfortunately, not being clinical enough in front of goal allowed the Stallions to settle into the match and to create chances of their own. Sadly, it didn’t take them long to convert.
Stallions winger Kirsty McBride was tumbled in the box and the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot. A nervous moment for goalkeeper Danielle McNamara, but despite her best efforts, the ball was struck sweetly and nestled in the bottom corner. Renfrew 1 Motherwell 0
Despite great spells of play from Motherwell, it wasn’t enough and it was to be Renfrew who netted next to double their advantage. A great ball through from the Stallions experienced midfield gave their striker plenty of space to compose herself and strike the ball into the side netting, a cool and confident finish. Renfrew 2 Motherwell 0
A few minutes later, all was not well for our ladies as Renfrew broke once again and found space in behind the ‘Well defensive line. One thing stallions didn’t do, was waste their chances. As the whistle blew, the half finished Renfrew Stallions 3 Motherwell Ladies 0.
It’s hard to believe a team who are 3-0 down at half time are having much impact on the game, but ‘ at no point did the Well ladies look out of the running. As we know, football is a game of two halves and Motherwell ladies aren’t a team who gives in easily.
Pamela Liddel unfortunately had to make an early departure, so the 55th minute saw the introduction of on-form striker, Sophie Gallagher and it didn’t take her long to make her mark on the game. First glance at a chance and the young striker was to make no mistakes. Fantastic pressure and a composed head in front of goal, Sophie placed the ball passed the onrushing stallions goal keeper to spark the start of the Well comeback. Stallions 3 Motherwell 1.
Toni Mason, I’ve heard who was once referred to as a player with the heart of a lion, wasnt prepared to let things lie there either! A misplaced pass from Motherwell allowed Renfrew to regain possession deep in their own half. A lost ball perhaps? …not my Mason’s standards! A darting run from the talismanic midfielder saw immediate pressure on the Stallions back line and a strong tackle saw the ball fall sweetly into the path of mason who, fired an absolute cannon past the keeper from just inside the 18-yard box. Stallions 3 – Motherwell 2
With ten minutes remaining, Motherwell seemed untouchable. Retaining possession and regularly breaching into the Stallions box, it looked certain they would score. It was inspiring to watch, the work rate was high and there was no doubt the belief was there that they could take something from this game.
A penetrating diagonal through ball from the Motherwell left wasn’t dealt with by the home defence, allowing Natasha Roberts to latch onto the loose ball, took it around the keeper and slotted home, Stallions 3 Motherwell 3! Incredible.
Motherwell pushed so hard for the equaliser, but Renfrew, with a little bit of good fortune, held out in the remaining minutes to see the game out. The referee blew for full time and the match ended a stalemate.
A great performance from both teams and one that certainly made it worth both sets of fans venturing out in some wild weather.
Full Time: Renfrew Stallions 3 Motherwell Ladies 3
Manager Graeme McArthur said after the match: “I was really disappointed in our first half performance and to go 3-0 down wasn’t good enough; our standards are higher than that.
“However, I can’t give enough credit to my squad of players in the second half. To come back from three goals down at any level is something not to be sniffed at and in the end, we were really unfortunate not to sneak a win.
“We had several opportunities in the latter stages, but one in particular gave us a fantastic chance to walk away with the points, but it wasn’t to be. The game was double edged in that I was delighted to comeback and draw, but I was also disappointed for the girls who I genuinely felt, despite going three goals down, deserved more with the effort the put in in the second half.”
Fixture Info:
Last game of season 2013/14: Sun 26th Oct, Motherwell LFC v Daisy Park, 12noon KO
Under 9s:
The Under 9s were at K Park again last Sunday for their weekly tournament. A hugely successful day saw the youngsters leave unbeaten and having performed really well as a squad. The girls did well to defend so tightly at the back, but still create plenty of chances up top. They showed great strength in all areas of the park and like a team with years of experience, moved the ball really well in all areas of the park. Coach Laura Daly said: “The team are showing huge improvements on a weekly basis and that’s a credit to their hard work and commitment in training.”
Under 11s:
The Under 11s were in action against Rossvale at the weekend. A carbon copy of the ladies result saw the youngsters draw 3-3 and then steal a win 3-1 in the resulting penalty shoot out. The team fought hard and created some fantastic link up play, particularly between the midfield and striker. Well done girls!
U9 and U11 Fixture Info:
Sunday 26th October, Kilwinning Festival, KO 9.30am.