KELBURNE LADIES...........2 HIGHLAND HC..................0

Kelburne march on to next round of Scottish Cup

Kelburne Ladies Firsts eventually broke down a stubborn Highland side to seal progression in the Scottish Cup.

Boasting the same young squad from Saturday’s 2-0 league defeat to Granite City, the team gelled quickly and looked lively from the onset.

Kelburne re t a i n e d possession well in the opening spell w i t h midfielders Morven McEwan and Jessica McKenzie finding lots of space on the wings.

Forwards Megan Ralph and Dalia Stewart similarly created lots of opportunities with their speed and direct running.

Just before half- time, Kelburne converted a corner after D’Arcey Campbell’s strike rebounded off the keeper and Frances Strain’s forceful strike found the bottom left corner.

Controversially the goal was disallowed as umpires felt the initial ball had not left the circle.

The second half saw much of the same dominant possession play from Kelburne, however their

Paul and Stephen are here as well and they’re a very similar mentality to John. Very professional.

“It’s great for the academy and for the kids here. We speak about John a lot and Kenny McLean too.

“The list of people that have come through the academy is something for us as a club to be proud of. high press was countered on occasion.

Jenna Brolly and Campbell read the play well to intercept most of these breaks, while keeper Emily Irvine was first to anything that made its way into the circle.

Kelburne’s tenacity paid off in the 60th minute when great play down the left side of the pitch finished with Ralph’s lay off in the circle to player/ coach Rachael Ewing-Day.

She calmly spun away from her defender and slotted the ball past the keeper.

The game was mainly played in the Highland half for the remainder of the game, with Freya Halliday, Rebecca Feeney and Aimee McGrane all supporting the attack from defence when necessary.

A bursting run into the circle from Ambar Hendry claimed a corner in the 71st minute.

Ewing-Day made sure of the stop on this occasion to set up a Campbell rocket onto the foot of a defender before lifting into the net.

The game finished 2- 0 to the Paisley team, with Megan Ralph being awarded the Most Valuable Player award for a dynamic and determined performance.

“It’s a great selling point for us when we’re trying to attract good young players to the academy, as opposed to choosing Rangers or Celtic or some of the bigger clubs.

“They can come here and, if they’re good enough, they’ll get an opportunity to go and play. If they do that, they can end up scoring hat-tricks for Scotland.”