The Raith girls turned on the style today in their much anticipated first game at their new home of Starks Park Stadium.
Report & Image: Raith Rovers LGFC
A healthy crowd of 120 turned out today and saw the home team hit top form in front of the mascots and ball girls who were drawn from the club’s youth teams.
The home team broke the deadlock after 10 minutes, when a Penman corner found Paterson, who headed the ball into the net like a bullet.
Soon after, the latter reciprocated for Penman by chipping beyond the defence for Penman to strike home.
With 20 minutes gone came a very well worked goal, starting with Carter playing through from midfield to Dinnel down the right, who hit a perfectly judged low cross which McLachlan eased into the net. McLachlan then doubled her tally with a fantastic left footed strike from the edge of the box, while Penman made it 5 going into half time with a strike from 25 metres out.
The second half was a repeat of the first, with the defence rarely troubled, while Carter and McIvor mopped up the centre midfield. Patterson and Dinnel were perpetually menacing down the wings, and Dinnel got the first goal of her hat trick latching on to a fine through ball before striking home.
Stirling nearly pulled one back when their striker was right through but Paterson made an incredible clearance on the line to save the day. Two more goals came from Paterson heading in from crosses, then Dinnel scored one of the best goals of the game, controlling a bouncing through ball perfectly before lashing a sizzling shot beyond the keeper. Her hunger for goal paid off near the end when a McLachlan shot smashed off the post, with Dinnel first to the rebound and she made no mistake.
So strength in all areas of the park today – including two hat tricks for Paterson and Dinnel – and overall a memorable day for the players, coaches and families, as well all the girls who helped out.
Next game is away to Dunfermline Ladies next Sunday.
