Riverside progress through to next stage of Central U14 League Cup

It was the first round of the Central U14s League Cup at Broadwood on a lovely sunny Sunday morning as Cumbernauld Colts hosted Riverside Girls U14s.

The away side came into the opening match of their cup journey with 3 wins on the bounce,only 2 defeats in 8 matches and also with the age gap advantage. Meanwhile Colts without a win in 5 matches looking to end the unfortunate run.

Colts with the first chance on home soil as it was Macy Hendry down the flank who cut inside pulled the trigger however an excellent stop from Riverside’s McPake denied Colts for the opener.

Throughout the 70 minutes corner kicks seemed to work a treat for the visitors with an early ball in from Riverside skipper Milly McLeod causing havoc in the penalty area eventually falling to Dougherty however her effort wide of goal. Another instance where corner kicks proved to be effective in the opening stages when McLeod yet again whipped another dangerous delivery into the 6 yard box, this time forcing Lilly Clark into a nervous clearance that cannoned off the woodwork, sparing colts.

Then on the breakaway Cumbernauld Colts Ava Mae Smith found herself with a lot of green space in front of her and went solo however her attempt exceptionally stopped from McPake. Moments later Colts again had another good chance with Grillo who found herself in a similar position as Smith but again the chance squandered as it struck goalkeeper McPake.

Riverside were next to create a chance in what had been an end to end 1st half as McLeod threaded a lovely pass through to Georgie Conroe which she took advantage of as she poked it home past Lucy Park to put Riverside ahead before the break.

HT Cumbernauld Colts 0-1 Riverside Girls

Riverside took the momentum from the goal into the second period when Cara Craig nestled a rocket from distance which the parried away from Park nonetheless finding a burgundy shirt in Catriona Stevenson and somehow once again kept out from Park again showcasing her shot stopping abilities.

Once again the well worked corner kick routine from Riverside this time hitting off yellow and Burgundy making it difficult for Park however she somehow kept it out. With Riverside creating chances galore in the start to the 2nd half it seemed the second wasn’t too far away and it eventually came from Cara Craig who produced creative footwork down the wing then the cherry on top with her finish rippling the back of the net to double the travelling sides lead.

Going into the latter stages of the game it did become feisty as both teams were fighting to get the win in round 1. The last chance of the match came for the hosts as Hendry was looking to close the deficit but unfortunately she rushed her opportunity meaning McPake went home with the clean sheet. The full time whistle blew and Colts felt they were hard done by especially with the chances they crafted in the opening stages but it was Riverside who went away with the win after taking their chances and holding onto their lead until the end.

FT Cumbernauld Colts 0-2 Riverside

Cumbernauld Colts Player of the match:

Lucy Park was outstanding throughout the 70 minutes with saves on another level which kept it toe to toe.

Riverside Girls Player of the match:

Milly McLeod from her corner kick taking skills to her leadership, she was a constant threat through the middle with her passing for the assist in the first half and her crunching challenges is what gave Riverside the platform the create in the final third.

Cumbernauld Colts Magic Moment:

Colts best chance came for centre forward Ava Mae Smith who was clean through after excellent build up play from the back however a great stop denied a brilliant team goal.

Riverside Magic Moment:

It has to be the second goal exceptionally converted by Cara Craig settled things down in the second 35 leading to victory.