Queen of the South Ladies took on a strong Giffnock Ladies team in the first home league fixture of the season.
Queens started strongly and took the lead after 14 minutes when Holly Ovens scored from a penalty kick awarded after she was impeded in the area. Queens double their lead after 22 minutes when Kirsty Macdonald, wide on the right, cut inside the full back and fired an unstoppable left foot shot over the keeper and into the far top corner of the net. Giffnock came into the game more as the half went on and the Queens defence had to work hard to keep them at bay.
Queen of the South Ladies 4 Giffnock Ladies 2
The second half started badly for Queens. First, a defensive error allowed Giffnock to pull a goal back and within a couple of minutes they had equalised when a corner kick was headed in powerfully at the back post. Queens were slightly stunned by the comeback but they steadied the ship and started to push forward again, with Megan Masterton trying her luck from range at every opportunity. The game was becoming quite physical but the Queens Ladies struck a blow when Kirsty Macdonald fired in a shot from range and watched as the ball eluded the keeper and went in off the right hand post to give Queens the lead. Holly Ovens almost added another when she burst away from her marker but her shot was saved. Queens continued to press, with full backs Freya Brown and Maisie Copeland pushing forward to support the midfield.
In the 70th minute, Megan Masterton was fouled in the penalty area. The Giffnock keeper managed to parry the penalty kick but Kirsty Macdonald was first to the loose ball to fire home, completing her hat trick and restoring Queens’ two goal lead.
Lois Geddes, on as a substitute, had the ball in the net after running on to a terrific through ball, but the referee judged her to have been offside, a decision that was disputed by some of the spectators.
With time running out, Giffnock piled on the pressure to try to haul Queens back and Sophie Ingram in goal had to pull off a great save to maintain Queens two goal margin. With 5 minutes remaining, Giffnock were awarded a penalty but Sophie dived to her left to make a superb save. Queens were able to play out the final few minutes for a 4-2 win which maintains their 100% league record.
This Sunday, Queens Ladies travel to Renfreshire to take on Bishopton Ladies.
Photo attached from ladies’ game at NWCC.
