SWFL Cup Final

Recreation Park

Alloa

 

2^nd June 2010

 

Celtic Reserves v Hibernian Ladies 2000

 

 

The final was played between two very strong and committed teams. In the first half both teams created chances with Celtic Reserves almost scoring from a corner with the ball breaking off a Hibernian defender and Hannah Reid saving brilliantly diving to her right to stop a goal bound effort from 6 yards. Coral Cassidy in the centre of the Hibernian defence cleared further danger with three outstanding tackles the last of which she made whilst on the ground and at that point she typified the spirit within the Hibernian 2000 team who were determined to win this game and compete for every ball. At the other end Kirsty Smith and Sarah Robertson in the wide left and right midfield positions were starting to cause panic in the Celtic Reserves defence with their direct running down the flanks and Hibernian Ladies won a number of corners from these outstanding runs. Both midfields were fully committed and battling hard to gain superiority and on 25 minutes Julie Paton made space for a shot on goal but the Celtic keeper saved it comfortably. As we moved towards half time it was Hibernian 2000 started who create steady pressure with the outstanding Stacey Hutchison linking well with Kirsty Smith to get her in behind the Celtic right full back and into the box but somehow the Celtic Reserves defence held out until half time.

 

Half Time: Celtic Reserves 0 v 0 Hibernian 2000

 

Hibernian 2000 started the second half brightly and new that if they could maintain the momentum they built up at the end of the first half they could create chances and hopefully take one or two of them. However, fairly early into the second half Kirsty Smith broke down and whilst she was off the field receiving treatment, Coral Cassidy went down in a heavy challenge. At this point Hibernian 2000 only had 9 fit players on the pitch against Celtic Reserves 11. Needless to say it was Celtic who started to dominate but the spirit in the Hibernian 2000 side was evident for all to see and they managed to hold out until first Kirsty made it back on and then Coral managed to get back on to take us back to 11 against 11. Although down at 9 and 10 players, Celtic Reserves found it difficult to create clear goal scoring opportunities and this was down to the commitment and team work shown by the Hibernian players on the pitch. It was becoming clear that the team who could score the first goal would have the best chance of winning this game because there was nothing between the teams. However, from a corner on the Hibernian left, Celtic Reserves managed to get the first goal. The delivery was punched clear by Hannah Reid in the Hibernian goal but with Hannah on the ground and trying to recover her position, a Celtic forward reacted first and directed a shot on back on target and despite the efforts of Nikki Clark, the ball crossed the line!

This goal meant that we now had to come out and go for an equaliser  An almost immediate and outstanding attack from Hibernian followed with Sarah Robertson breaking quickly from midfield on the right and Gemma Robb and Kirsty Smith supporting her. It was a 3 v 3 and everyone’s hopes were raised as we normally make the most of these opportunities. However, this time, Sarah chose to maintain possession rather than pass the ball early in front of Kirsty who had the space and arguably the best chance of equalising. Soon after Gemma Robb broke down and had to be replaced with around 20 minutes to go. Laura Smith was introduced and made an almost immediate impact running onto an excellent through ball and as she dragged the ball to the left, the Celtic central defender made a strong challenge to stop the danger. Laura picked up an ankle injury but was determined to battle on. Kirsten Weir was then introduced into central defence with Bryony Ross moving from central defence where she had played very strongly throughout to right back in place of Nikki Clark who had also worked really hard and played well.

 

Captain Mariel Kaney was next up to have a chance of putting Hibernian 2000 level when after a corner on the right, Mariel found herself in space 10 yards out but the ball fell to her left and her strike, although on target was unable to beat the excellent Celtic keeper. With Hibernian 2000 pushing forward, it was always possible that we could be caught on the break and that was what happened. With 3 minutes remaining, Celtic Reserves picked up possession in midfield and drove wide right with their number 11 driving forward past the valiant Danielle Diey who had played very well all night on the left side of the Hibernian 2000 defence and crossed the ball to the left for her team mate to score after Hannah had been wrong footed by the Celtic Reserves forward.

 

Despite their best efforts, Hibernian 2000 were unable to reduce this deficit and the game ended 2-0.

 

Full Time: Celtic Reserves 2 v 0 Hibernian Ladies 2000

 

 

Well done to Celtic Reserves who played strongly throughout the game. Their fitness levels are excellent and they play very well as a team with a strong defence, excellent movement in midfield and fast and strong attackers. You proved to be formidable opponents for our youngsters and we wish you every success for the remainder of the season.

 

 

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for coming to support us on the night and in the way you did. We all heard you very clearly and we are just sorry that we couldn’t give you more to cheer about!