Rangers Ladies 8-3 EUHV….
Rangers Ladies started their SWPL Cup campaign with an 8 – 3 victory over Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale.
Two goals from Chantelle Brown and Jordan McLintock with more coming from Claire Adams, Sarah Robertson and Chelsie Watson and an own goal saw the Blue Belles run out convincing winners.
It took Rangers only six minutes to open the scoring. Brown glided past the EUHV defence before setting up Robertson for a tap in. An excellent start for Rangers who would continue this dominance throughout the match.
Amy Muir was a constant threat for Rangers on the wing, every cross she played into the box seemed to cause havoc. It was from a Muir set piece that Rangers doubled their lead a deep corner from Muir found Watson at the back post who scored on the volley. A composed, striker’s finish from the centre half.
From there it looked like Rangers would go and run up as many goals as they like, but EUHV were given a life line as they were awarded the first of three penalties in the match. The penalty was converted past Jordan Elliot in the Rangers goal by Nichola Sturrock and it was game on again.
It was still Rangers who were on top and looking the most likely to score next. Hannah Robertson played an excellent ball across the six yard box for Brown but her shot was just off target. The lead remained at one at the break.
Rangers started the second half strongly and it was once again the wing play of Muir creating most of the problems for the visitors. Watson, again, connected with a Muir corner but her headed effort was narrowly wide.
Muir came close to twice scoring from her own cross. A looping effort from the right wing came back of the post. She also came agonisingly close to scoring direct from a corner but it was cleared just before it could cross the line.
Then, massively against the run of play, EUHV equalised. As Rangers looked for the third a long ball sent Anna Hume through on goal. She calmly rounded Elliot before finishing into the empty net.
It took Rangers only four minutes to regain the lead. A handball in the box led to the second penalty of the game and McLintock made no mistake scoring high into the net. Rangers deservedly were back in front.
Rangers doubled their lead shortly after through Brown. A long shot from Watson was deflected and bounced around the box.
S.Robertson tried to make contact but couldn’t reach enough so it was up to Brown to head home over the keeper.
Amazingly, EUHV scored a third penalty by Lauren Watters. With 10 minutes to go, a game that Rangers dominated was still hanging in the balance.
The fifth came from Brown who received the ball on the edge of the box after a cut back from Muir. With plenty of time to compose herself, Brown sent unstoppable shot past the helpless EUHV keeper.
The feeling of helplessness was to return for the EUHV keeper as Adams beat her with a fantastic striker from at least 30 yards out.
An early goal of the season contender potentially as Adams used great awareness to spot the keeper off her line and take full advantage.
Another Muir cross created the seventh Rangers goal of the game. There was an element of fortune about it as the EUHV defender tried to clear the ball only for it to loop up past the keeper and settle in the bottom corner of the net.
McLintock got her second goal of the game to round off the scoring. Yet again, another Muir cross created a chance this time picking out Jemma Marriott. Her shot was blocked but only as far as McLintock who scored.
An empathetic win for Rangers in the end and an excellent start to the competitive season for the Blue Belles as they booked their place in the second round of the SWPL Cup.
Reported by David Marshall – Rangers FC
Picture: Rangers FC
