YFS
Abertay University battled to a 1-0 win over Stirling University B to secure the BUCS 2A League title in their final game of the season. A wonder strike from Holly Napier was enough to see off the home side, whose own title aspirations vanished with defeat at Gannochy Sports Centre.
Stirling came into the game on the back of a 3-2 win against Edinburgh Napier University, and knew that four points from their final two games would make them league champions. The home side were also looking to avenge a penalty shootout defeat to Abertay in February, which had sent them crashing out of the Scottish Cup at the semi-final stage, and certainly started the brighter of the two sides. Ruth Clark had a number of shots saved by opposing goalkeeper Amy Hiddleston, before Lauren Hill sent a strong shot over the crossbar.
Emily Gray was dominating the midfield area in the air for the home side, with Abertay’s attacking threat diminishing as the half went on. However, Holly Napier began to grow into the game and was sent through on goal; her shot was saved well by Rebecca Sjogerud. Sabrena Craib sent a wild shot over the bar, and Victoria Kane spurned a glorious opportunity when she screwed the ball wide after being sent through on goal.
Ruth Clark headed just wide from a Rachel Armstrong cross, and was made to pay just minutes later when Abertay took the lead. Napier lined up a free kick thirty yards from goal, crashing the ball into the roof of the Stirling net to hand her side a priceless advantage.
The remainder of the first half was a very scrappy affair, with Katie Caine nearly seeing her long-range effort fumbled over the line by Sjogerud, but the keeper just managed to recover her error.