Our women’s team returned to action earlier today after their previous fixture away to Carron Ladies was postponed, as the team welcomed Central Ladies to Mountblow.
They were without manager Gerry Gallacher, on a first aid course at the Marbill Coaches Stadium, and assistant John Dempster, leaving Kenny McInnes to take charge alongside Michael Logan and Steven Pasiful.
One change was made to the side that lost to Bishopton three weeks ago, with Gemma Smith returning to replace Neamh MacNeil while Caitlyn Connelly made her long awaited return to the matchday squad.
The girls started strong, with captain Eva McInnes thrice testing the Central keeper after excellent balls over the top of the visitors right back from Alisha Biggerstaff, Iona Russell and Smith – but each time she was denied.
Gemma Russell also came close after a corner broke to her but she found her path blocked while Smith fired over from range after being laid off by Amy MacPherson.
We would finally make the breakthrough on the half hour mark – MacPherson chasing down a lost cause and through brilliant pressing work gaining possession. She then beat the keeper at the second attempt to give our side the advantage.
However, after a few long range efforts had tested Kira Swallow in the Sons goal, one finally beat her and nestled right in the bottom corner.
In the second half we would retake the advantage with Russell tapping home from an excellent McInnes delivery off the left wing.
Unfortunately the visitors would score a quick fire double around the hour mark to tie the match on its head but Russell once again popped up to save the side, reacting quickest to an Iona Russell header to fire home and secure a point for the ladies.
Stand in boss McInnes said post match: “I was delighted with our girls’ commitment from kick off until the final whistle.
“They were naturally disappointed to be dragged back from leading twice and to go 3-2 down they deserve immense credit for not giving up. The equaliser wasn’t enough for them and were gutted not to have taken all three points.
“Central will no doubt feel the same after a keenly contested match and as far as the coaches were concerned we can take plenty of positives from such a mature performance.
“We’ll get even better with the return of key players and the experience of these matches.”
He was also quick to praise the young, talented DWFC squad.
“We can only praise every player for their efforts. Alisha has made a welcome return to our side and young Amy gets better with every match,” he said.
“Special mention for Kira and Mirren [Esdale] were once again outstanding but Gemma Russell’s two goals capped an incredible performance.”