Musselburgh Windsor book place in semis with comeback victory over Rossvale

A nail-biting quarter-final in the Youth Challenge Cup ended with victory for current cupholders, Musselburgh Windsor, as they knocked four past a strong Rossvale Girls Academy side.

Right from the first whistle, the action was non-stop. An early corner for Musselburgh was comfortably saved by Rossvale keeper, Sophie Ambrosini.

It was not a long wait for the first goal of the morning as Lucie McGuire scored in the second minute of the game, her shot put effortlessly into the bottom right corner, giving Rossvale the lead.

Musselburgh were quick to find their feet however and Kyha McGurk took an excellent shot that just drifted over the bar to go out for a goal kick.

It was back to Rossvale next as they were awarded a freekick which found the feet of McGuire inside the box but her goal attempt was securely saved by Musselburgh keeper, Rachel Fleming.

The second goal came shortly after in the sixth minute. McGuire found great space to get her second goal of the day as the score line went 2-0 to Rossvale. 

Musselburgh took their chances with no success until the 12th minute when Skye Feeley took a shot from the edge of the box that floated over the head of Ambrosini and into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

However, Musselburgh never got their chance to equalise before Becky Scally managed to rocket her shot past all the bodies in the box to get the ball in the back of the net, making it 3-1 to Rossvale in the 19th minute.

Plenty more chances were taken in the first half; McGurk made a powerful shot in the 41st minute but it rolled wide and a cross from Rossvale’s Shannon Land found the head of McGuire who knocked it towards the goal, but it was a great save from Fleming to deny Rossvale their fourth goal and the game went into half time still 3-1.

Both teams started the second half strong with chances being created constantly.

It was Musselburgh that got the first goal of the second half though as McGurk smashed the ball into the back of the net just after the hour mark, closing down on Rossvale’s lead.

Musselburgh were then awarded a penalty in the 65th minute and McGurk stepped up to take it from the spot.

It was calmly taken as she put the ball into the bottom right corner for the equaliser with 25 minutes left to go.

Rossvale did not take their foot off the pedal though as their corner landed at the feet of Christina Hill who smashed it towards goal, but it ricocheted off the post.

Musselburgh got their winning goal of the game in the 81st minute as Sammie Gray managed to get the ball in the back of the net after getting the rebound from Mia Brotherston’s attempt.

The 4-3 win means that Musselburgh Windsor secured their place in the semi-final and look to win the cup for the second year running.

Rossvale can be proud of the sensational run they’ve had in the cup and were unlucky not to get the result they were hoping for today.

Rossvale Girls Academy Player of the Match: Katie Docherty

Katie Docherty was fantastic for the hosts, she was constantly pressing the ball and defended well, managing to stop several attacks.

Musselburgh Windsor Player of the Match: Mia Brotherston

Brotherston stood out in the away squad, her runs were fantastic and her ability to get into spaces was impressive. She was a key player in the lead-up to the goals and certainly played a massive role in her team’s victory.

Rossvale Girls Academy Magic Moment:

Rossvale’s third goal was very special, the power that Becky Scally managed to put into her shot was magnificent and it was made to look so easy.

Musselburgh Windsor Magic Moment:

The fourth goal from Musselburgh was spectacular. The team played the ball up the pitch seamlessly and it really was a team effort to get the ball in the back of the net. The goal showed just how determined Musselburgh was for this win.