Russians steal victory
Glasgow City lost 1-0 tonight to Russian champions Zvezda 2005 in the Second Qualifying Round of the UEFA Women’s Cup, a result which now makes progression to the Quarter Finals impossible for City.
After a very disappointing opening match against Norwegian hosts Roa IL, City were desperate to prove their worth in this competition, but knew tonight’s match would be even tougher, with Zvezda having already defeated UEFA Cup holders Frankfurt only two days previously.
City were boosted significantly with the return of midfielders Megan Sneddon and Sue Lappin. Scottish internationalist Sneddon had missed the first match through suspension and Lappin flew into Oslo after work on Friday to be able to take her place in the starting line up.
City started the match very strongly and were in control of the game for most of the first 45 minutes. Luck in front of goal however could not be found with Lappin and Leanne Ross going agonisingly close in particular.
In the second half City continued to threaten and the best chance fell to Lindner when a great run by Littlejohn down the right hand side saw her evade her marker and cut inside towards goal. With only the keeper to beat she unselfishly played a square pass to Lindner who directed her effort low into the bottom corner. However the Zvezda keeper and Russian international number one, pulled off the save of the match to keep her side in the game.
With only two minutes remaining, it looked as though City were going to be held for a draw. However, an error by the referee saw her award a free kick to the Russians at the edge of the City box. A furious City had to retreat and the resultant free kick was brilliantly pushed on to the bar by Angie Livingstone in the City net. Unlucky for City Zvezda’s Hanna Kostraba was first to react to bundle the ball home from only yards out.
It was a cruel blow to City who hard worked so hard in this game against a very good side. Head Coach Eddie Wolecki summed up his side’s performance. He said, “I am so proud of every single one of those players that took part tonight. They were outstanding and should hold their heads high. They did not deserve that result at all. To say we are gutted would be the biggest understatement ever as the result is so very hard to take. However, we showed how good we are tonight and I am pleased about that. The Roa performance was not that of a Glasgow City side, tonight’s was and for that I am very pleased.”
11.10.08
