Cumbernauld went into the match adamant they would continue their excellent start to the season and confident they’d continue to be unbeaten in the league at the end of the game.
They were to come through a little bit of adversity going behind in the match, then scoring three goals without reply to take the three points and remain in contention at the to of the league.
It was a competent Rangers side that started the game and had the lions share of possession in the opening ten minutes. The home side worked their way back into the match and went close several times before Rangers opened the scoring.
In the 32nd minute a phenomenal through ball from the Rangers midfield cut the Colts open. Dana Baird got on the end of it and rounded McGann in the home goal to make it 0-1.
An almost immediate reaction came from the team in Yellow. An overlap down the left from Lynsay Guthrie resulted in a cross met by player of the match Gillian Downie to even things up within two minutes.
Both sides had come close to adding to the scoring each striking the woodwork and the keepers on top.
And so it was even at the break, where manager McSherry got her side down and gave them her instructions for the second half. They were to carry out her instructions to the letter.
With power and pace up front, it appeared Rangers couldn’t cope with the home sides front four. This resulted in the Colts taking the lead eight minutes after the break. A ball down the right and a strong run into the box by Wardlaw opened up the Gers back line. Wardlaw passed across the penalty area and Kim Guthrie punished the visitors taking the lead for her side for the first time, Jordyn Elliott in the Rangers goal unable to stop her shot.
Rangers were then forced to chase the game which opened it up considerably. A cushion for the Colts came two minutes later after Wardlaw finished from what appeared an impossible angle down the left as she beat Elliot in the Rangers goal. Wardlaw was replaced by Emma McIntyre shortly after as McSherry changed formation to solidify the result.
While both sides still competed, the remainder of the game was slightly muted following an injury to the Rangers number 6 Nicole Wilkie.
This came in what looked an innocuous challenge between her and Rebecca Young. Nicole required the assistance of paramedics and everyone at the Colts wish her well and a speedy recovery.
After the match McSherry was ecstatic by her sides performance. I’m extremely proud of the girls in how they played and performed. They took the ball in difficult situations and earned these three points with a fantastic effort. Rangers had the luxury in bringing in a few Premier players recovering from injury, and I thought we were as good across the park as each player.
We’ve now got a free week next week, which we’ll enjoy, before we have a hugely important game coming up against Motherwell on the 5th of June. We’ll get the girls in and prepare as completely as we have for each game so far. We’ve managed to keep our unbeaten league record with a wonderful performance and that is exceptionally pleasing.
Line ups
Cumbernauld Colts
Angela McGann, Lynsay Guthrie, Ruth Young, Nicole Hutchison, Melissa Porter, Rebecca Young, Pamela Martin, Gillian Dowie, Frances Fern, Sarah Wardlaw, Kim Guthrie
Substitutes – Emma McInytre, Lauren Nelson, Julie McSherry
Rangers
Dana Baird, Taylor Davis, Emma Donnelly, Jordyn Elliot, Niamh Johnston, Amy Muir, Megan Murray, Hannah Robertson, Victoria Sheeran, Nicole Wilkie, Lisa Swanson
Substitutes – Hayleigh Calvert, Megan Karagiozis, Courtney Keary, Jodie Pratt, Chelsie Watson
Reported by Stephen Bole
Picture: Cumbernauld Colts
