Match Report

The Warriors returned to winning ways in the Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship this afternoon with a fine 3-1 victory over Dryburgh Athletic.

Warriors manager Jack Cameron shuffled his pack again follow last weeks rearguard action against Glasgow City, with several faces returning to the starting XI. In additional Goalkeeper Keira Hughes made her debut, deputising for an ill Skye Johnston.

The Warriors, perhaps keen to do a little less defending this week, sought on early opener, and were duly rewarded when Ellie Hunter diverted a Thomson corner goalward via a well-placed shoulder. Dryburgh looked to redress the balance and enjoyed their own spells of possession, without threatening Hughe’s goal to any major degree. At the other end Halpin uncharacteristically passed up a golden chance to put the Warriors two to the good, and the home side would need to make do with a single goal lead come the half time break.

Into the second half a quickfire penalty was the order of the day as Corey was felled in the box. Gidney stepped up to convert with some aplomb. The introduction of Carruthers, McDonald and Young from the bench added a new dimension to the home attack, providing a constant challenge to the visiting backline who continued to try and find a way to progress the ball up field. Indeed, on one of the successful occasion’s Dryburgh were likely hard done by with a handball claim in the home box being turned down despite vehement protests to the contrary. The Warriors front press would produce a third goal however as Thomson bundled the ball home from McDonalds cutback. ‘Lady Luck’ would come full circle for the visitors though, as deep into injury time they did receive a penalty, with the successful conversion providing as a consolation only.

Next up for The Warriors is the visit of Inverurie Loco’s next Sunday in the Quarter Final for the Scottish Power National League Cup.

Stenhousemuir: Hughes, Fraser, Hunter, Vickerman, Halpin (Burke 78), McClounan (Young 64), Gidney, Thomson (Jones 78), Corey (Carruthers 64), McWilliams (McDonald 64), Mitchell.
Subs Not Used: Duff, Johnston (g/k)

Goals: Hunter 8, Gidney 49 (pen), Thomson 76