Hamilton Accies girls set up title decider against Kilmarnock

Dec 3 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON ACCIES under-17 girls set themselves up for a title decider against Kilmarnock on Sunday with a thumping 6-1 win over East Kilbride last weekend.

Player of the match Amy Bullloch enjoyed a fantastic first half on her return from Scotland under-17 duty.

Fellow internationalist Ainsley Douglas opened the scoring with a cleverly worked shot.

Hannah Gilchrist was also hugely influential in the play and Megan Walker was a constant threat, grabbing a hat-trick on her birthday.

A rare goal from Kirsten Rolph put Accies out of sight and Paula Goodwin completed the scoring.

East Kilbride pulled a goal back and could have added to their tally but for fine play by Accies goalkeeper Zoe McCarney.

Accies manager-coach Jim Erwin said: “This sets up this young side for a mouthwatering finish to the season.

“Our destiny is in our own hands with concern to the league title next week.

“I thought on Sunday we gave the ball away too easily at times, although when we did work the ball well we caused East Kilbride lots of problems.

“We got good reward from the full-backs going forward, which has not always been the case.

“If we can keep the ball and work on our movement, communication and tempo, then there is no reason why we cannot achieve great things with this team, not only this season but also next year.

“A lot of individuals here have exciting times ahead at this club.”

Accies’ final match is a winner-takes-all clash at Kilmarnock on Sunday, December 6, with a 1pm kick-off.

l The previous week, Hamilton routed East Kilbride Thistle, running out 6-2 winners. In horrendous conditions, Accies played some superb football and dominated the midfield through Amy Bulloch, Ainsley Douglas and Hannah Gilchrist.

Hamilton’s goals came from Paula Goodwin (4), Megan Walker and Samantha McPherson.

Jim Erwin said: “I have to be so proud of the girls to keep their passing philosophy despite the conditions and I thought we were superb.

“Some of the passing and finishing for the goals were top class. Movement was good and this puts us in a strong position in the league.”