Match Report

Yesterday afternoon our women’s side returned to competitive action away to Bishopton in the ScottishPower Regional League Cup.

The side, who have already advanced to the next round after wins in their first two fixtures, suffered their first competitive defeat of the season against hosts who had won the SWFL West championship last season.

The match got off to the worst possible start, the referee made the first of several questionable calls when the hosts played a long ball over the top, the Dumbarton defence stepped up and played the front two offside, but no call was made, and the ball was poked home for 1-0.

Goalkeeper Kira Swallow made an excellent save to deny Bishopton a second, she then punted the ball out wide left to captain Eva McInnes, she played the ball up the line for Gemma Russell, she took her time before unleashing a strike high into the goal to level the match.

Despite more great saves from Swallow, the pressure would prove to be too much, and Bishopton would rack home four more goals before half time. Gemma Smith would see a free kick from range rattle the bar and bounce down. The ball looked to be over the line but the referee once again waved away the side’s protests, allowing a counter, and a killer fourth Bishopton goal.

Head coach Gerry Gallacher looked to re-energize his side and keep the heads up with a rousing half-time team talk. There would be an initial boost, with Gracie Williamson testing the goalie from range, and Mya Logan hitting the post after a great run to find herself through on goal.

However, it would not be sustained, the hosts would add a further six second half goals, albeit Russell would grab her second to lessen the blow and maintain her great personal form.

A tough afternoon and a learning curve for our young DWFC squad, but one they can take a lot from into the future. Mistakes were made, but moving forward these can be worked on. A return to form will be quickly needed, the women are in action next Sunday with a home match against Gleniffer Thistle in our final cup match at Mountblow.

Bishipton Ladies 11

(3) Catriona McAllister, Hannah Coyle, Jacqui Seagrave, (3) Tasha Marshall, Sara Patterson, Claudia Stewart, Sandra Craig

Dumbarton Women 2

(2) Gemma Russell

View the full results and group stage table from the ScottishPower Regional League Cup Group 5

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