Cumbernauld progressed to the league cup semi final with a hard fought win at the expense of a dogged Granite City side, who they had to peg back twice to leave Aberdeen with a 3-2 victory.
The home side took the lead from the penalty spot with five minutes on the clock. Mel Porter adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area from a cheaply conceded corner that Granite City converted. Porter receiving a caution from the referee for the infringement.
Porter would be the focal point to get the Colts back in the tie after her side had survived the further early pressure from Granite City. The majority of the visitors attacks went down the left side she occupied. Indeed, she was to be the player who restored parity midway through the half, with a cool finish from a Pamela Martin through ball.
The away side went on to then dominate the half before a late flurry of corners for the home side just prior to the break.
A second for Granite City and the second time they took the lead came six minutes after the restart. A corner on the Colts right sailed over the defence and went in at the far post.
With a determination and grit the Division One South side again got back on level terms. Great interplay down the right between Frances Fern and Sara Wardlaw fashioned an opportunity for Wardlaw to finish and bring her side back even five minutes after they had gone behind again.
Cumbernauld then went for the win and took the lead for the first and most significant time in the match with 25 minutes remaining. Fern converting a cute pass from her strike partner Joanne Morrison.
The game ebbed and flowed for the remainder of the time on the clock. Both sides creating opportunities and chances. Granite City to get back on level terms and Cumbernauld to extend their hard fought for lead!
Ultimately, the visitors experience showed as they saw out the tie and made it through to this weeks draw at Hampden for the semi finals.
Post match the Colts coaching staff, Julie McSherry, Jamie Kirk and Paul Wilson praised their players. We’ve shown that we have the fortitude to come from behind and get a deserved result. There were many performances from the players that were exceptional and could merit Player of the Match status. From our front two that harassed and pressed the City back line, to goalkeeper Lisa McPhee who made several important stops when she faced the Granite City forwards baring down on her. We’ve struggled to pick just one individual and debate will be carried into training this week as to who we decide for the award.
Reported by Stephen Bole
Picture: Cumbernauld Colts
