Queen of the South Ladies will be playing in the Scottish Women’s League 1 next season after securing victory in a tight and fiercely contested playoff game against Harmony Row Ladies at NWCC on Sunday, watched by a large crowd. Overall Queens had the better of the play, but Harmony Row posed a constant threat with their pacey striker keeping the Queens defence on their toes. The first half was goalless, although both teams had good chances, with a shot by Queens’ Freya Brown rebounding off the top of the bar, and a dipping shot at the other end being saved brilliantly by Queens keeper Sophie Ingram. Harmony Row came close in the second half when their striker broke through and bore down on goal, but Sophie Ingram did enough to put the striker off and her shot went just past the post.
Into the second half and Queens continued to have a slight advantage in pressure, but with Harmony Row defending well the scoresheet remained blank. However eventually the deadlock was broken in the 70th minute when Queens’ young striker Georgia Wilson collected a through ball from Holly Ovens on the left of the area, ran in and placed an accurate shot past the keeper into the net. Harmony Row tried to retaliate but the Queens defence and midfield were breaking up any attacks and pushing forward seeking a second goal to settle the nerves. It wasn’t until the 89th minute that the win was assured when Georgia Wilson broke through on the right, outpacing her marker, before firing a looping shot over the keeper. With Harmony Row now deflated, Queens tried to add to their tally in the several minutes of injury time, but the game finished with Queens 2-0 winners, and promotion to the National League 1 assured. Celebrations continued on the pitch for some time after the final whistle, and Queens’ captain Charlotte Smith was presented with a commemorative silver plate trophy by SWF CEO Aileen Campbell to mark their achievement.
FULL TIME – Queen of the South Ladies 2 Harmony Row Ladies 0
Queens Ladies now have a break until the new league season starts in August, although training will continue to ensure the players remain match fit for what promises to be a more difficult season against a higher standard of opposition.
