Edinburgh Caley 0 -1 St Roch’s Ladies
Having overcome the Central league leaders, Partick Thistle, in the previous round of the League cup St Roch’s Ladies made the journey along the M8 today to take on Edinburgh Caley who are currently sitting in second place in the East League.
With a place in the quarter finals up for grabs this was always going to be a tough task for St Roch’s in their first competitive season, but the ladies once again showed the discipline and determination which has got them off to such a good start in the league.
As you might expect from a cup game, the match kicked off at a brisk pace with both sides looking to test each other for weaknesses and hoping for the early breakthrough. Although there was plenty of fast paced action neither side was able to find the combination in the final third to secure a vital opener.
As the half progressed it was clear to see the growing confidence and belief among the St Roch’s players.
Their midfield trio of Campbell, Lovat and McManus never stopped working to shut down any Caley threat while the back four looked assured and in control and the odd ball over the top was dealt with coolly and calmly by the supremely confident Nicolle Andrews in the Roch’s goal.
The breakthrough finally came on the hour mark from a good sequence of passing by the visitors.
Defender Steph McManus played the ball up the left side of the pitch to substitute Pauline Millard who had been brought on in an advanced midfield role. Millard’s lay off to the lively Claire Wright was dropped back to Jillsy Campbell who sent the ball through the home defence for striker Stacy Higgins to race onto and from the edge of the box she sent a low drive across the outstretched keeper into the bottom left hand side of the goal.
Edinburgh threw players forward looking for the equaliser which gave the visitors chances to hit back on the break.
Indeed the Caley keeper had to pull off two great saves in the last twenty minutes otherwise Higgins could easily have bagged herself a hat trick.
Nonetheless St Roch’s ran out deserved winners and now turn their attentions to an away league tie next Sunday 1 May against an experienced Blackburn Ladies.
Reported by St Roch’s Ladies
