Umbro defence fails in penalty shoot-out
Glasgow City’s defence of the Umbro Cup came to an end at the semi final stages of this years competition, when after a 1-1 draw in the semi final against Everton, whom they beat in last years final, they lost out in a penalty shoot out.
Everton took the lead early in the second half in fortunate circumstances, when an Everton cross ball took a wicked bounce in the six yard box and came off the leg of Lorna Young and ended up in the City net. The team, however, quickly responded and began to exert more pressure on Everton and after a few missed opportunities levelled the game when Ruesha Littlejohn held off the Everton left back and found a yard to fire in a cross which was met beautifully by Leanne Ross who drove the ball into the net.
Towards the end of the match City had Everton camped in their own penalty box but just couldn’t find the winner and the game finished level with the resulting penalty shoot out ending 4-3 in Everton’s favour.
Manager Peter Caulfield commented, “This was a great weekend for the club even though we are really disappointed we didn’t go on to retain the trophy. The girls were a bit down after losing to Everton but there was no disgrace in losing in a penalty shoot out to last years F.A. Premier League Runners-up.
We showed throughout the whole weekend that we can be a match for any team and that we are a really difficult side to beat and all the credit for that has to go to the players for their attitude, commitment and ability.
This is 2 years running we have travelled to the best tournament in Britain and have returned to Scotland undefeated in open play. We conceded only 2 goals in the whole tournament this year, one a penalty and the other an unfortunate own goal, so again this is a great confidence boost before the new season kicks-off and we look towards our European campaign.
There was no doubt that we were also drawn in the toughest group and to get to the semi final stage after playing Portsmouth, Liverpool, Man City, Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace was again a great achievement.”
The team now complete their pre-season this weekend when they go back to Manchester to compete in the Manchester Summer Cup. With a number of 1st team players unavailable due to International commitments the manager has drafted in Lisa Evans, Lauren McMurchie, Laura Murray and Emma Mitchell from the Under 21 team to make up the travelling squad.
29.07.08
