Glasgow City go 5 points clear after defeating Hutchison Vale
Glasgow City moved 5 points clear at the top of the SWPL following an 8-1 victory over Hutchison Vale to leave the team in confident mood ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup Final against Spartans.
The Champions produced a first half performance which was not to the liking of Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black with his side going in 2-1 up at half time. However, a significantly improved second 45 minutes resulted in an entertaining display from the nation’s top side and six more goals, made it a comfortable win in the end.
Commenting on his side’s win, Wolecki Black said, “I was very disappointed with the first half performance, but credit to Hutchie, who were very well 
organised and disciplined. In the second half, I have to say that the changes we made altered the whole dynamics of the game and we were a vastly improved side.
“Particularly pleasing was the contribution of Sarah Crilly who seems to be growing in confidence with every passing game, which was obviously reflected in her goal tally. The front two today created so many opportunities for the rest of the team and they really do drag defences apart.
“As always, with this club, the next big match is only a few days away and now we focus on the final against Spartans on Wednesday.”
City opened the scoring after only 11 minutes when Crilly finished off a Lisa Robertson cross with a low drive past Danni Downs in the Hutchie Vale goal. Five minutes later and Suzanne Lappin made it 2-0 as she rose highest to head home a good Nicky Docherty cross into the bottom corner.
Hutchie pulled a goal back when Cheryl Gallagher was adjudged to have fouled Jen Rodgers in the box. Ref Morag Pirie pointed to the spot and up stepped Laura Gavin to covert from the spot.
Crilly hit the post and Downs pulled off a great save to deny Suzanne Malone as City searched for a third goal before the break.
Some harsh words were obviously said in the City dressing room at the break and along with changes made, City came out a different side for the second period. Lappin scored in the opening few minutes of the restart and Crilly made it 4-1 converting a Lisa Robertson cross.
The young striker then got her hat-trick on 66 minutes volleying home a cross from full back Nicky Docherty.
At the other end of the pitch, Hutchie were showing that they were not giving up without a fight and hit the post with a fine strike. Soon after, Crilly got her fourth and best goal of the game as she chipped a perfect shot over Downs to score from 20 yards out.
Lappin struck the post with another header before a clever pass from Leanne Ross set up Robertson who fired a low powerful shot into the bottom corner to make it 7-1.
With a few minutes remaining, the Champions rounded off a fine second half performance when Lappin placed a good shot into the bottom corner in a crowded penalty area after Downs had saved three times in a row from Ruesha Littlejohn.
City’s next match is against Spartans as the two sides contest the first silverware of the season in the League Cup Final at Recreation Park, Alloa. 7.30pm 
Kick Off. Cash gate: Adults £5, Kids £2.
Pictures by Graeme Berry: Top - 4 goal hero Sarah Crilly. Bottom - Lisa Robertson scores City's seventh goal.
26.05.13
