St Roch’s Ladies 1
Stenhousemuri 0
Scorer: Nicky McDonald
Sunday saw the SWFL leagues return to competitive action after the traditional six week mid-season summer break. In the Division Two Central League, a top of the table clash saw leaders Partick travel to Blackburn, whilst third place St. Roch’s were at home to Stenhousemuir.
With games against both of the top two teams in the next two weeks, St. Roch’s were keen to secure all three points from this tie, while Stenny looked to close the gap on the group of teams above them in mid-table.
From start to finish the game was a fairly hectic affair which at times made it difficult for the home side to settle into any kind of fluid passing although St Roch’s did create some early half chances.
Indeed striker Caz Docherty’s early run behind the defence had the home support calling for a penalty as she was sent tumbling inside the box by the keeper.
It was Docherty again who made a similar run midway through the first half only to see her low 20 yard shot crash of the keeper’s left hand post, roll agonisingly along the length of the goal line behind the helpless keeper and then out of harm’s way.
For their part, Stenhousemuir always looked lively and Nicolle Andrews in the home goal had to maintain her concentration to clear a couple of dangerous attacks by the visitors.
By deep into the second half it looked as if the points might have to be shared on this occasion as good work by the visitors’ ‘keeper kept the score sheet blank, but St Roch’s kept pressing forward, determined to take the points, and their hard work was rewarded when they finally broke the deadlock with the game heading into time added on.
Roch’s resolute full back Natalie Huggan took the ball in midway inside her own half and played an inch perfect pass up the inside channel to Claire Wright, who sent the ball across the visitors goal for Nicky McDonald to force across the line at the back post.
It was a hammer blow to the visitors’ and St Roch’s were able to see out the remaining few minutes to secure a vital win, which moves them up to second place in the table. However, with teams playing each other three times in the league there will be a lot of movement in league positions over the coming weeks until the games even themselves out.
Reported by St Roch’s Ladies
Picture: St Roch’s Ladies
