Champions
Glasgow City Girls were crowned Second Division South West and West Champions last night following their 5-0 win over Airdrie United.
Last night’s triumph continues City’s phenomenal 100% League record, with what is their eighteenth successive straight league win. Although City were unlikely to be caught because of goal difference, one point was needed last evening to ensure mathematically they could not be caught no matter what happens in the remaining two games.
However, true to form, City Girls managed the full three points, to lift the title.
With so much at stake the young City side, with an average age of 16 years old, started nervously. Airdrieare a big physical side and it took until the 30th minute for City to break the deadlock. A goal mouth scramble was about to be converted by striker Lyndsey Anderson, but her goal bound effort was stopped by an Airdrie hand and City were awarded a penalty.
Up stepped Captain Laura Murray and despite the pressure, coolly slotted home from the spot to put her side in the lead.
Half time 1-0.
With the goal now behind them, City’s nerves visibly disappeared and they began to really dominate the match, with some fine passing football. Caron Campbell who had come on at half time was looking sharp and quick and was firing in some excellent crosses which were causing the Airdrie back line some problems.
It was of no great surprise when City’s pressure led to another goal ten minutes into the restart. A corner from the left by Mel Stirling was met powerfully by centre half Eilish McSorley who directed an unstoppable header into the back of the Airdrie net.
Less than 10 minutes later Laura Murray got her second of the evening with an almost identical goal to McSorley’s. Another fine corner from Stirling, this time from the right was met brilliantly by Murray who bulleted her header into the net.
At this point, City were getting better and better. Confidence was clearly now very high and the young side were playing some good attacking football.
With 20 minutes left on the clock Lyndsey Anderson made it 4-0. A diagonal ball from impressive recent signing Ciara Barnes was met by Anderson who hit a quite fantastic volley from 25 yards out into the back of the net. It was Anderson’s 3rd goal in 3 starts for City since joining last month and what a future this 15 year old looks to have in the game.
Not to be outdone by Murray, McSorley bagged her second goal of the game to ensure the 5-0 victory for City. With 8 minutes to go, McSorley hit a tremendous 30 yard strike into the top corner of the net, for yet another outstanding strike for City on the night.
From a spectators point of view this was an excellent game to watch, particularly in the second half and all of the goals were of the highest quality. City also utilised their entire bench on the night, proving once more the quality and depth of this very talented young squad.
Manager Richie Evans was ecstatic with his side. He said, “Eighteen games and eighteen wins. That says it all. We have scored 100 goals and lost only 5. I think that speaks for itself. Our defence has been solid and we are potent in attack, very much the main thrust of all City sides and something we work very hard on to achieve. Most pleasing in recent months has been the impact of our recent signings. It is well documented we lost some of our top players in Under 19 internationalists Lauren McMurchie, Lisa Evans and Emma Mitchell to long term injury when away with the national team some time ago, but the new girls have fitted in superbly and showed the standard they bring to the team. This is only our first ever season, but I think every young player in this side would comment on how professional the club is and how good training is. They have all improved as players since they joined and given time, many of them could have a very bright future in the game if they keep working hard.”
20.05.09
