Match report - SWF Championship Cup semi final
Dryburgh Athletic 1 Ayr United 0
Dryburgh made history this afternoon by storming into the final of the first ever Championship Cup by winning this nailbiter of a cup tie at Glenesk Park.
With a backdrop of autumnal sunshine and a stiff breeze, both teams spent the first quarter sussing each other out, with most of the action in midfield, but with few chances to show for their efforts. After
21 minutes ‘Burgh came close when Beth Collins crossed over from the right wing to Stacey McFadyen on the left, whose wicked cross into the box was met first time by Laura Boag but her effort went just over the bar. The breakthrough goal then came after half an hour, when McFadyen pounced on a loose ball on the left and crossed over to the unmarked Collins who made no mistake from a few metres out. Five minutes later, Megan Robb almost doubled the lead when she edged past the defence into space in the box, but her shot was inches too high.
The second half saw an Ayr resurgence with a couple of early half chances coming their way. The ‘Burgh defence needed to be vigilant and centre backs Aimee Sturrock and Sophie Aitken both needed to look sharp with vital tackles to clear their lines. Meanwhile Rachel Robbie was effective at both helping defence and helping the push for a second Dryburgh goal, and after 70 minutes McFadyen had a blistering shot well saved by the Ayr keeper. The game then went into a dramatic last 15 minute spell where it was end to end, as an increasingly confident but desperate Ayr pushed for an equaliser, managing some half chances via several forays into the ‘Burgh box.
The drama increased near the end as the game reached a nail biting conclusion, and in the 83rd minute a blistering shot from the visitors looked net bound, but Dryburgh goalkeeper Chantelle McKay leapt like a salmon to tip the shot over the bar, a brilliant save which helped give the home side the lift they needed to keep going and see out the game. At the other end, subs Hope Ramage and Alma Codegoni pressed the visitors’ defence right to the end, both carving half chances. However, in the end there were no more goals to be had and the ref blew his whistle to the delight of the Dryburgh camp, but no doubt also the anguish of the visitors who had tried so hard to get that equaliser, but in vain.
So in the end the only goal of the game was the one that mattered - and it was scored in the first half by the youngest player on the park, Beth Collins, who will have all the bragging rights at her school tomorrow! Overall though, this was a cracking classic cup tie and one that Dryburgh just deserved to win through their hard work, patience, teamwork and skill. Everyone at the club is so proud of this team and we are all now looking forward to the cup final Vs Montrose WFC on the 28th November at the Falkirk Stadium.
Today’s player of the match - Rachel Robbie
Next game is next Sunday, away to Buchan Ladies.
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