Cumbernauld got their league cup campaign off to a winning start with a convincing 5-0 win against the visiting Dee Ladies.
Two early goals from Frances Fern and a solo goal from Sarah Wardlaw set the home side on their way to the draw for the 2nd round.
Fern had deftly chipped the keeper in the third minute to open the scoring and got her second inside fifteen minutes beating the keeper again after a moment of indecision coming for a through ball that gave Fern an opening to double her sides advantage.
Wardlaw opened her account mid way through the first half, putting the ball in the Dee goal following a fantastic through ball from Joanne Morrison.
The Cumbernauld side continued to attack the visitors back line but were not able to add to their tally before the break.
Colts started the second half where they had left off in the first, creating several chances and attempting to add to their earlier scoring. Dee Ladies were resolute in defence and found themselves pinned back in their half and only making fleeting breaks forward to try and trouble their hosts.
As the game drew to a close, it appeared there would be no more goals as the home side squandered several gilt edged chances.
However, there was a late flurry of activity as Wardlaw got her second of the match tapping home after a wonderful strike from substitute Downie had struck the bar and fell nicely to her in the 88th minute. And then, with seconds remaining, the goal of the game came from Player of the Match Melissa Porter. She connected with a low driven corner across the visiting sides 6 yard box and with an exquisite back heel completed the scoring to make it a five star finish for her side.
After the match Manager Julie McSherry was pleased with her sides progression into the hat for the next round. This was a potentially difficult game for us. We knew very little of Dee Ladies other than they were a strong robust side and this was proven in their performance.
We’ve achieved our initial target of getting through the tie and into the draw for the 2nd round. A clean sheet is an added bonus and the way all the new girls slotted into the side made the performance all the more pleasing.
We’ll train hard now for our first league game next week away to Queens Park, which will pose a slightly different test as they’ve just come into the Division having been relegated from Premier 2.
Player of the match Melissa Porter receives her award from Coach Paul Wilson and Manager Julie McSherry.
Reported by Stephen Bole
Cumbernauld Colts
