Match Report

Our women’s team secured back-to-back victories in the SWFL Central-West with a 4-2 victory over Gleniffer Thistle.

Captain Eva McInnes tucked home early doors for the perfect start, and the skipper would double both her own and the team’s tally later in the half.

Teenager youth graduate Anya Fraser added to her debut goal last weekend with an assist for McInnes.

Her day would get even better as she added a third from a Lucia Sereno cross to give the ladies a commanding half-time lead.

Thistle would net twice in the second half but an Iona Russell strike, assisted by the returning Niamh McAleer, ensured a two-goal victory for the Sons.

There were also debuts for new signing Ellie Vernel and Kirstin Breslin alongside another academy graduate in Madeline Ross.

Women’s boss Kenny McInnes was delighted with the performance and result.

He said: All the girls deserve immense credit for the performance. From the kick off they were switched on and determined to put on a performance they knew themselves they were capable of.

“Eva got us off to a great start with a wonderful long-range effort and despite Gleniffer making it tough for us we showed an assurance and held possession well while scoring at crucial times again through Eva and then young Anya.

“At half time we knew Gleniffer would come back at us and asked the girls to be strong if that happened. We felt slightly aggrieved losing a goal while Sophie [Reid] was off the pitch, but the girls held their nerve and Iona scored what turned out to be the winner with a great shot from outside the box.

He also praised his new additions and expressed his joy to have new faces in the door at a crucial point of the campaign.

We were delighted to finally get Kirstin and Ellie registered this week and we need to thank the club for helping make that happen,” he said.

“Both of them had excellent debuts and bring experience that will be a huge benefit to the team. We couldn’t have asked for any more from them.

“Anya once again showed what a talent she is carrying on from her debut last Sunday.

“Madeleine joined us today and was thrown in to a very difficult situation with Gleniffer piling on the pressure at 3-1. She coped very well and that was very encouraging to see.

“Young Amy [MacPherson] has played all season for us and gets better with every game – the pathway is there and working well for all the young players coming through.”

He also praised the resilience of his senior players, many of whom played through injury.

“It was a great performance from everyone but special mention to Eva, Sophie and Neamh MacNeil who ran themselves into the ground while Niamh McAleer played through an injury to help her teammates.

“However, if I’d to choose one Mirren Esdale would be deserving of a player of the match performance. She was involved in most things we did today and was a joy to watch.”

The team are back at home next week as Linlithgow Rose make the visit to Mountblow at 2:15pm.

Glennifer Thistle Ladies 2

82′ Cara McInally, 86′ Marci MacKay

Dumbarton Women 4

2′, 30′ Eva McInnes, 38′ Anya Fraser, 83′ Iona Russell

View all the results and league table from SWFL Central-West