Accies women beat ’Gers to go tops in league

Aug 27 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON Accies’ Women’s FC shot to the top of the Scottish Women’s Premier League with an excellent 1-0 win over newly-promoted Rangers.

The win marked the last game to be held at Wishaw before the team moves to their new home of Jock Stein Sports Centre in Hamilton.

Manager Kevin Murphy was delighted with the result. He said: “This was a game where everyone had to stand up and be counted, and to their credit the girls did just that.

“I thought the defence was excellent and all credit to coach Alan Urquhart for working with the girls during the week to increase their defensive solidity.”

This was a very competitive match against a physical Rangers side, with tackles flying in all over the park.

Accies struggled to get a grip in midfield during the early stages, with high winds making it difficult to control the ball and make telling passes.

Hamilton’s first meaningful attack saw Sam McManus turn well on the edge of the box, but her shot flew just wide.

Minutes later Rangers’ stand-in goalkeeper Lauren Bell handled a back-pass just outside the six-yard box, with the resultant free-kick blocked for a corner.

Another corner quickly followed and Lindsay Hogg’s delivery was met by Kim Keys, who smashed the ball low into the net for the opening goal after 25 minutes.

Hamilton gained in confidence after the goal and a nice move from Collette Fleming ended with a well-struck shot that was brilliantly saved by Bell.

Rangers weren’t out of the game and just ahead of half-time a close-range header shaved the post, before a ball over the top of the defence let the Glasgow side through again, but a tremendous double save by Elaine Fleming kept them at bay.

Rangers exerted tremendous pressure on the Accies defence in the second half, but some outstanding tackling and excellent goalkeeping maintained Accies’ advantage.

Accies fought their way back into the game and a shot by Ashley McDonald was well saved by Bell.

Hamilton went close again when Lindsay Hogg rattled the crossbar with a 25-yard free-kick, but there was no further scoring.

Murphy continued: “Great credit goes to Kim Keys for her winning goal, and the scorers usually are the ones who get all the plaudits, but it was also a great display by the defence who kept us in the match in the second half.”

Hamilton’s next match is away to SWPL champions Glasgow City at Glasgow Green tonight (Thursday), at 8pm.

HAMILTON: Fleming, Makarainen, Lafferty, Hogg, King, Templeton, Keys, Reilly, McDonald, Fairlie, McManus.

l HAMILTON’S Divisional team lost 2-0 against Paisley Saints.

With their regular goalkeeper missing Zoe McCarron stepped in from the under-17s and did well.

Sam McLaren went close twice before a defensive error allowed Saints to score.

With Saints holding a very tight defensive line Hamilton were caught offside repeatedly, before Saints went 2-0 up.

Player of the match went to defender Laura Graham.

Accies Divisional team’s next match is at home to Dumfries at Jock Stein Sports Centre on Sunday, August 30.

HAMILTON: McCarron, Park, Graham, McLoy, Paton, Burns, Hillman, Smith, McMultly, McLaren, Macintyre. Subs: Murphy, McEwan, Lindsay, Macpherson.

l HAMILTON’S Under-15s suffered a 3-1 defeat against a strong Dumfries side.

To their credit the girls stuck to the task and created enough chances to win the game, however they found the hosts’ goalkeeper to be in inspired form.

Accies’ solitary goal came from Megan Walker.

Player of the match was awarded to Cara McBrearty.

The under-15s’ next match is against Celtic at Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds on Saturday.

l HAMILTON Under-13 White routed Tass Thistle 9-2 at the Bent Parks, with Laura Gallan, Karen Baillie and Tammi Jeffrey among the scorers.

l HAMILTON Accies Under-11s Team1 are in buoyant mood after they ran out 10-3 winners in their first league game of the season against Glasgow Girls at the Palace Sports Grounds.

Sam McMillan scored five, Jess Lambie notched a hat-trick, and Abbie Miller and Emily Shearer grabbed one each.

HAMILTON: Conner, Shearer, McLaren, Pink, Toolan, Miller, Molley, McMillan, Lambie, Smith.

Next Sunday Team1 are away to Prestwick while Team2 travel to Cambus Glen.

Anyone with a girl who is interested in playing for Hamilton Accies and has some ability should contact Jim Smith on 07914 817418.

Scottish Women’s Premier League:

Hamilton.....................1 Rangers..................... 0