West Park United outscore Airdrie in seven-goal thriller

West Park United and Airdrie U16 Girls battled it out in a fierce, goal-filled game, with West Park United clenching the win to secure all three points in the SWF Central Lee Gibson League.

In a game of opportunity, both teams had some great chances and goalkeepers at both ends made some brilliant saves.

The action started right from the first whistle as Isla Swan took a shot for West Park, but Rachel Ross made a great save and put it out for a corner.

It was not a long wait for the first goal of the game however, as Airdrie’s Aaliyah McCann comfortably put the ball in the back of the net with a smooth right-footed shot ten minutes into the first half.

West Park quickly got back into the game though and almost equalised, but the shot was deflected in the box.

Airdrie had another go at goal and Kayla McCormack came off of her line to make a brilliant save.

The chances kept coming for Airdrie as Ava Eriksen took a shot at a tight angle, but her effort was well saved.

McCann took another powerful shot, however, it was pushed over the bar by McCormack to go out for a corner. The ball then found the feet of Freya Rodgers of Airdrie Girls who took a shot from close range but once again was well saved.

West Park were awarded their first penalty of the game and Swan managed to find the back of the net to equalise. The second penalty came shortly after which was fired off the post, but Cara Bruckett scored the rebound to put West Park in the lead and take the game to 2-1.

Airdrie got straight into scoring ways in the second half as McCann got her second goal of the game just 30 seconds after the whistle. The third goal for Airdrie came quickly after as Skye Thomas calmly rolled the ball into the goal bringing the score line to 3-2.

West Park United had some goal attempts but all were saved by Ross before Freya Simpson assisted Swan as she scored to make it 3-3.

McCann went for the hat trick, however, she was unlucky as her powerful shot fired off the post.

Chloe Beattie came on for the visitors and was quick to have a shot at goal but once again her effort was saved.

Tensions were high in the final minutes of the game as both teams battled it out to secure the victory and take home all three points.

In the end, it was a corner from West Park in the closing moments that found the feet of Carys McGinlay, who managed to snatch the win for her team as her shot found itself in the back of the goal.

The visitors did not go down without a fight though, as once more they almost equalised but the ball clattered off the post and the final whistle was blown seconds later.

Airdrie will be disappointed not to get any points on the road but they showed determination and passion for the full 80 minutes. West Park will hope to continue their good form and winning ways in their upcoming league fixtures.

West Park United Player of the Match: Freya Simpson

Simpson had an outstanding game for West Park. As well as her assist to get her team’s winning goal, she was constantly making great runs, getting into spaces and pressing the ball. She showed fierce passion for the full 80 minutes.

Airdrieonians Community Club Player of the Match: Skye Thomas

Thomas got the third goal for Airdrie which was calmly taken. She showed great control and composure on the ball.

West Park United Magic Moment: Back-to-back saves

The back-to-back saves from Keeper McCormack in the opening minutes of the game were vital saves which helped her team get the victory.

Airdrieonians Community Club Magic Moment: Second goal build up

The second goal was spot on from McCann, but the build-up to the goal demonstrated excellent team play from Airdrie Girls.