Rossvale FC Women’s clinch U18s West Plate with stunning comeback win over Ayr United

Rossvale FC have won the Scottish Women’s Football U18s West Plate trophy after defeating Ayr United 3-2 at Gartcairn’s MTC Park.

Two stunning strikes late on sealed the silverware for the Bishopbriggs side in a stunning comeback victory.

Having taken the lead early on in the match, Rossvale found themselves 2-1 down just after half-time with the game seemingly slipping away.

But the team in red and yellow showed fantastic team spirit to turn the match back around in their favour.

The first chance of the match came amazingly inside just 15 seconds when captain Christina Hill slipped through Madison Gilmour. The striker was, however, denied not once but twice by the impressive Kahlen Harper in the United goal, who parried the initial effort before impressively gathering the rebound.

But Rossvale went in front in the ninth minute when Lucie McGuire thumped home a fine header from a corner.

Ayr equalised in the 27th minute courtesy of a cool finish from Jennifer Gormley whose electric pace got her in behind the opposition’s defence before slotting the ball into the corner.

It was against the run of play, but the Ayrshire outfit hung in there and delivered the sucker punch to their opponents who had the best of the chances up until then.

And it was Gormley who gave her side the lead five minutes after the interval with the striker latching onto a long ball behind the defence and rounding the keeper for 2-1.

The match seemed to be heading towards a victory for Ayr with the score line looking to remain as it was as both sides cancelled each other out.

But Rossvale had something to say about that. In the 74th minute, skipper Hill fired home an unstoppable first-time strike from outside the area which flew into the top corner to set up a dramatic last 15.

And with two minutes of normal time left, Gilmour gave her side the lead with a screamer of her own, finding the far corner from 25 yards to spark scenes of wild celebration.

There was significant injury time played but Rossvale held on to take home the silverware.

For Ayr United, they can hold their heads high having played a huge role in making a fascinating cup final.

Rossvale FC Player of the Match: Madison Gilmour

The striker led the line brilliantly for her side all game and popped up at the end with a goal of the highest quality, finding the top corner from miles out

Ayr United Player of the Match: Jennifer Gormley

Very unlucky to come out on the losing side having bagged a brace in a cup final. Showed great pace and determination throughout.

Rossvale FC Magic Moment: Goal fit to win the trophy

When that shot from Gilmour left her boot, you just knew it was in. With only minutes remaining she lived the dream of scoring a wonder goal to win a cup final.

Ayr United Magic Moment: Sucker punch goal

Ayr may have been under the cosh in the opening 45, but their equaliser before the break showed fantastic resilience and set them up for a highly competitive second period.