Raith Rovers Ladies 2 Westdyke Ladies 0
Report & Image: Raith Rovers Ladies
This was an accomplished performance from Raith, in a tough game that was played in baking hot conditions with regular water breaks required.
Before the game, both teams observed a minute’s silence for the loss of Louise Swankie of Bishopton FC (see picture) – our thoughts are with her friends and family.
Sharon Ucer almost took the lead after 2 minutes, but her half chance in the box couldn’t quite get to her strong foot.
Plenty passing from Raith created pressure and half chances, including Kelly To creating havoc down the left wing.
The breakthrough goal came after 25 minutes, when a pinpoint long ball from Nicole Carter found Kerri Dinnel who kept calm and smashed the ball past the keeper. Five minutes later Dinnel made it two when she headed in from a Carter corner, then a Carter long distance shot was brilliantly saved by the keeper.
The second half was a calmer affair, with less chances for Raith and with the visitors having a bit more of the play, with keeper Claire Don having to look lively a few times.
However the home defence never really looked under threat, with Paterson and Clark solid in the middle of the defence and Moreland and Rattray snuffing out the visitors’ wing play.
Meanwhile some late pressure almost paid off, with the relentless running of Carter, Katie Moodie and Kara Brown in midfield creating lots of energy and chances right to the end.
So a very pleasing display from Raith, with a fantastic effort from all the players from both teams to manage to play in the heat.