Match Report

Our women’s side returned to league action after a 42 day-winter break imposed abeyance but the side could not have asked for a tougher fixture as undefeated league leaders and SWFL West champions Bishopton visited Mountblow.

Gerry Gallacher was able to welcome back Sophie Reid after two months out injured and Alisha Biggerstaff – both into the midfield but the DWFC manager was without star number six Gracie Williamson for the fixture today.

The match started off competitive, with the ladies looking to put on a better showing than their 11-2 away loss to their opponents in the ScottishPower Regional League Cup earlier this season – with half chances for both sides.

However, the visitors would strike within the opening 15 minutes – former Dumbarton forward Catriona McAllister netting the opener.

The match would remain competitive, but the ladies would unfortunately concede two quick-fire goals just before the half hour mark from Bishopton duo Tasha Marshall and Hannah Coyle to go in three behind at the break.

Any hopes of a second half fight back were quickly snuffed out as Lisa McIntyre made it four shortly after the restart.

The visitors strength in depth in comparison to our own was clear as they listed seven substitutes in stark contrast to our two – the club are looking for additions to the squad with experienced players encouraged to get in touch and arrange a trial.

McAllister would add her second and Bishopton’s fifth just beyond the hour mark before Coyle added her second and their sixth late on.

Coyle would grab her hat-trick before the full time whistle – with the visitors taking full advantage of their strength in depth as the Dumbarton side tired after an afternoon of hard-running.

A poor scoreline out of context but a vast improvement on the earlier season result at Park Mains and a valuable return to first-team action for Reid – who will be a crucial member of the squad for the second half of the season.

The ladies travel to Falkirk next Sunday, as they face the league’s basement side Carron Ladies at Glen Village Playing Fields – with a kick off time to be confirmed over the next week.

Dumbarton Women 0

Bishipton Ladies 7

11′, 67′ Catriona McAllister, 22′ Tasha Marshall, 26′, 81′, 87′ Hannah Coyle, 47′ Lisa McIntyre

View all the results and table from SWFL Central-West