Glasgow City defeat Aberdeen to stay top of the SWPL
Glasgow City maintained their place at the top of the SWPL thanks to a 5 -1 win over Aberdeen in the Granite City.
First half goals from Eilish McSorley, Lisa Robertson, Leanne Crichton, Julie Melrose and a Leanne Ross penalty firmly put City in the driving seat. However, they were unable to add to their advantage following a disappointing second half and the Dons hit back through a penalty of their own with seconds remaining, with striker Nikki Wright converting.
City Assistant First Team Coach Donald Jennow expressed his frustration with his side’s performance. He said, “First and foremost we got three points which is our aim at the start of every game. That aside it was nowhere near the level we expect from ourselves. There is an expectation at this club and I think everyone in the dressing room would agree we didn’t meet that expectation with today’s performance. The conditions were not ideal, but that is no excuse. We need to improve for what will be a tough game against Celtic next week in the Cup.”
City started the game strongly mounting a series of attacks on the Aberdeen goal. The pressure soon counted when Aberdeen cleared a City corner only as far as Leanne Crichton, who quickly played the ball back into the box, where City centre half Eilish McSorley rose highest to power her header into the back of the net.
Soon after it was 2-0 with McSorley this time turning creator, playing the ball high into the box. The Dons keeper was unable to hold on to the cross and Lisa Robertson pounced to fire home from close range.
A chance came for Julie Melrose inside the box, but the flag went up for offside just as she was about to pull the trigger. The Dons recorded their first attempt on goal shortly after, but Lee Alexander in the City nets, thwarted the danger.
The Dons keeper kept her side in the game with an excellent one on one save to prevent Lisa Robertson getting her second of the match after a great pass from Leanne Ross. Leanne Crichton was next to try her luck but shot over the bar after driving through the Dons defence.
The midfielder was however to find the net after a cut back from Leanne Ross and clever move from Jo Love gave her the chance to drive the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-0 to the visitors.
McSorley hit a free kick past the post before Julie Melrose made it 4-0 with a header after a Lisa Robertson effort was well saved by the keeper. A chance for Ruesha Littlejohn went begging before Leanne Ross converted from the spot after a foul on Eilish McSorley in the Aberdeen box earned City a penalty and a 5-0 half time lead.
City continued to press after the break, but their performance was hindered by frequent stops and starts, the muddy pitch and windy conditions. The Glasgow side also failed to find the clinical edge they showed in the first period and despite creating numerous chances, failed to add to their lead.
With seconds remaining, Aberdeen grabbed a late consolation when the referee awarded a penalty for an alleged hand ball in the City box. Dons striker Nikki Wright converted past Alexander to make the final score Aberdeen 1 - 5 Glasgow City.
City's next match is on Sunday 21st April against Celtic in the League Cup Quarter Final at Petershill Park. Kick off 2pm.
Pictures - with thanks to Graeme Berry.
14.04.13
