Pre-season: Glasgow City 1-1 Sunderland
Glasgow City’s first match of pre-season ended in a 1-1 stalemate with FAWSL 1 side Sunderland.
In a game with very few opportunities, the visitors came closest to drawing first blood when a free kick from Keva Ramshaw was expertly stopped from hitting the back of the net by City keeper Megan Cunningham.
It was a set piece which was to threaten City for the second time in the match and on this occasion Sunderland made it count when Sarah McFadden headed home unmarked at the back post on 26 minutes following a free kick for the Blades.
With chances few and far between, City made the most of their only real opportunity of the first half. City attacker Fiona Brown was brought down after a mazy run inside and up stepped Captain Leanne Ross to curl the resultant free kick into the top corner and beyond the reach of Rachael Laws in the Sunderland nets.
In the second half, City’s Abbi Grant struck the cross bar and Erin Cuthbert had two attempts from distance, but these were the home side’s only real efforts to take the victory.
Commenting, City Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said, “The objective of today's game was to get every member of the squad some playing time. We have only just completed three weeks of training and are nowhere near the fitness levels required to play a competitive 90 minutes. We have been gradually building the players fitness with a thoroughly prepared training programme. This includes not playing full games at this stage of the season hence the reason there were 10 substitutions made today.
“It is maybe frustrating for the supporters to see so many changes to the team but we need all our players fit and more importantly fresh for the beginning of the season. It is easy to get players fit short term but it doesn't last and in a season that runs to November it is vital that we have our strongest team available for selection every week. With each game we play we will build on the minutes of every player. Today’s match gave us what we needed at this stage of the season.”
Glasgow City’s next home game is against Chelsea on 22nd February, Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie, 1pm. Entry is via cash gate, adults £5, concessions £3, U16’s Free.
Pictures by Glasgow City photographer Andy Buist. For full match pictures, visit our facebook page Glasgow City FC
26.01.15
