Queen of the South Ladies v West Park United Ladies: Scottish Cup
It was a break from league football for Queens Ladies on Sunday when they took on West Park United in the Scottish Cup at NWCC. Although Queens had the better of the play, they found it hard to make the breaktrhough and a number of chances were passed up, with the West Park defence managing to smother several attempts on goal following crosses and corners, and the visitor’s keeper in terrific form. Queens hit the post, but that was the closest they came until the 28th minute when a corner from the right eluded the keeper and dropped right on to the head of Leona Smith as she attacked the back post.
Queens continued to have the better of the play with the Queens back line mopping up everything and keeper Sopie Ingram being quick off her line to collect any through balls. The Queens midfielders were passing the ball around and finding openings, with Alexandra Connon controlling the central areas and Queens wide players outpacing their opponents down the wings. Queens were incredibly unlucky not to add to their lead, with a number of efforts being snuffed out by a determined West Park defence and the West Park keeper continuing to come off her line to smother the ball at every opportunity. Queens hit the bar three times but the ball just would not go in the net. With only 8 minutes to go, West Park stunned the large home support when they scored an equaliser with a superb shot from range that Sophie Ingram managed to reach but couldn’t keep out. It was a nervy last few minutes as West Park pressed for a winner but the final whistle went with the score tied at 1-1, so the game went into extra time.
The first period of extra time saw Queens pressing and West Park trying to hit on the break, but just as the referee was looking at his watch, Queens grabbed another goal when Holly Ovens found herself in the clear in front of goal and curled a well placed finish past the keeper. West Park tried to haul themselves back to level terms in the second period of extra time, but Queens hung on to achieve a 2-1 win that sees them into the draw for the next round.
Queen of the South U16 Girls progress in Scottish Challenge Cup
On Saturday Queen of the South U16 girls welcomed Bonnyrigg Rose for a last 16 Scottish Challenge Cup tie. With Queens currently top of the South West Erin Cuthbert League and the visitors second in the South East Joelle Murray League it promised to be a competitive game. Queens opened the scoring with a shot by Anna Newbold after a neat lay off by Eve Crombie. Queens doubled their lead before half time when Lacey Caven manoeuvred the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble.
Into the second half, and Teri Smith finished off a fine move down the left with a terrific strike into the top corner. Bonnyrigg pulled one back from the penalty spot after a contentious handball decision. Queens quickly responded when Rosie Ferguson’s precise pass picked out Eve Crombie and she slotted home from short range. Bonnyrigg had a short rally when they scored a second goal, before Queens put the tie beyond doubt when Rosie Ferguson rounded off a fine team performance with a well taken strike. Full time Queens U16 Girls 5 Bonnyrigg Rose U16 Girls 2.
The U16 girls now face Central Girls in the quarter final of this national cup competition on Saturday with a 10.30 am kick off at the North West Community Campus, Dumfries. It promises to be a great advert for girls football so all support is welcome. A special thanks to our sponsor William Paul Motor Engineering from Twynholm.
