Clubs | Falkirk edge nail-biter to pip Wishaw to League Cup | |
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Falkirk FC Girls Under 15s vs Wishaw Juniors LFC Under 15s
SWF League Cup Final (Central/South West Regions), Recreation Park, Alloa
 Falkirk FC Girls 15's won the League Cup in a well contested and open game, played in good spirits with both teams provided an entertaining match which was as close as the result suggests.Falkirk enjoyed the early play on the very wide astro surface of Recreation Park, home of Alloa FC. Although chances were at a premium it was Falkirk who pressed and got the first couple of shots away in the game, without troubling the Wishaw keeper too much. Wishaw started to get to grips with the midfield leaving Lauren Leslie and Chelsea McKay a massive job as the opposition were pushing the extra player to overload at every opportunity. Shivohn Honeyman linking well with Taylor Watson on the right and always looked to get the ball forward on the width, leaving the Wishaw defence plenty to think about. Taylor providing good attacking support, especially late on in the game.
The opening goal came ten minutes from half time when a Jeni McLuckie corner was hit goal bound by Chelsea and deflected by a defender into the net, which gave the Bairns the edge although little was between the teams in terms of play and chances. Chelsea hit a shot just wide of the post from inside the box and Cari Johnston was causing problems for their defence with her hussle and bussle in central attack. In defence Victoria Gray marshalled the girls well and was outstanding throughout the game, Ciatlin Bardsley was keen to support the midfield and broke up alot of the play and Chloe Penman sat in as sweeper with a no nonsense approach to clearing her lines, Amy Somers worked the line well and deserved her half time break.
Half Time: Falkirk FC Girls Under 15s 1-0 Wishaw Juniors LFC Under 15s
The start of second half was certainly Wishaw's as Falkirk were pegged back, as they weathered the storm of the first 10mins Falkirk started to get the play forward however it was a break against the run of play that led to the equaliser when Wishaw broke through from their own half past the square Falkirk defence, although the girls got back an excellent turn and shot beat Murren Stevenson in goal and brought the teams level.
The game continued to be well contested but as both teams started to tire it looked as if a mistake was going to decide the match. However it was an fantastic piece of endeavour which secured the win for Falkirk with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Jeni drove up the left, cut back inside and sent a low cross into a crowded box; finding Chelsea who found the energy to volley home a fantastic strike which was worthy of winning any match, hit centrally the despairing dive by the Wishaw keeper was no more than a token guesture.
The Falkirk team shored up the midfield and Amy closely marked the impressive number 6 of Wishaw to limit her creativity. Kirsten Alexander stepped in for Chelsea after an ankle injury, with Lauren Fletcher replacing Cari up front in the closing stages.
A couple of free kicks given away in dangerous positions put an edge on the last few seconds, but as the ball was punted by Murren past the half way line the whistle blew and started the Falkirk celebrations, with the main stand going wild.
The generous Wishaw crowd applauded Falkirk team, with both sets of fans recognising the 100% efforts from the girls. This was a close game and an excellent advert for the under 15's girls football.
Full Time: Falkirk FC Girls Under 15s 2-1 Wishaw Juniors LFC Under 15s
Falkirk FC team: Murren Stevenson, Taylor Watson, Victoria Gray, Chloe Penman, Caitlin Bardsley, Lauren Leslie (c), Shivohn Honeyman, Chelsea McKay, Jeni McLuckie, Amy Somers, Cari Johnston. Subs: Kirsten Alexander, Lauren Fletcher.
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