Match Report

Our women’s side fell to a first defeat of the season, albeit in a friendly match away to SWFL South side Giffnock SC.

With a limited squad to pick from missing several key players including midfielder Sophie Reid and top scorer Gemma Russell, manager Gerry Gallacher opted to use the match to offer some fringe players the opportunity to impress ahead of next week’s return to competitive action against SWFL West champions Bishopton.

Despite some good early pressure from the ladies, the hosts took the lead. A ball across goal tucked away between the legs of Kira Swallow in the Dumbarton goal after 15 minutes.

The side would respond quickly, with captain Eva McInnes coming close with a free kick and Natasha Lewis, playing further forward on the right wing, testing the keeper before Gracie Willamson unleashed an effort from way outside the area which caught the Giffnock goalie wrongfooted and flew into the top of the net.

Despite another McInnes chance with a right footed volley, Giffnock would retake the lead, a ball down the left was  fired into the goal from close range leaving the side behind at the break.

And the hosts would add to their advantage early in the half, a succession of corners ended with a free back post header neatly placed into the corner of the goal.

The match would then become heated, with the Giffnock forward grabbing defender Niamh McAleer after a fair challenge from the centre back which left her shirt ripped. The referee chose to discipline both players despite the clear offender being in purple.

Despite this, and a high challenge of Lewis that forced her off injured, the girls responded and won a penalty kick. Mirren Esdale converted it with a powerful effort to restore some hope.

It would be dashed by a late Giffnock goal on the counter, a through ball finding the host’s forward one-on-one with Swallow before finishing across the Dumbarton number 1 to seal the victory.

The girls matched the physical battle well but just could not continue their excellent early season form.

They return to ScottishPower Regional League Cup action away to Bishopton at Park Mains High School this Sunday, September 14^th  with a 2.00pm kick off, as they look to make it three wins from three in that competition.