Edinburgh students hit goal trail in Western rout

Few would have been surprised that Edinburgh University saw off the challenge of rivals Milne Craig Western at Peffermill, but the sheer severity of the 7-0 thrashing has sent shock waves through the women’s first division.

Western’s coach Derek Forsyth said: “The scoreline could have been higher but for several saves by teenage keeper Jess Buchanan. We must put this result behind us now and we’ve got two weeks to prepare for our next game against GHK.”

In contrast, students coach Sam Judge said: “The team were really focused and patient. We scored some great team goals.”

Sophie Maunder was on target with a well-taken hat-trick, the other goals coming from Hanna Mckie, Louise Campbell, Ella Watt and Becky Dru.

The champions are back in pole position on goal difference from Western Wildcats who beat a depleted Dundee Wanderers side 2-1 at Auchenhowie.

Despite being the dominant force for most of the contest, Wildcats found it difficult to break down a Wanderers defence well marshalled by keeper Carmin Dow and Sam Sangster.

The Taysiders took the early initiative and Scotland striker Charlotte Watson put them ahead in ten minutes. They might have increased their lead but wasted three penalty corner opportunities.

Wildcats clawed their way back into the contest and Lucy Macarthur levelled before the interval. The hosts put Wanderers under pressure in the second half but only took the lead through Lucy Findlay 13 minutes from the end.

Sarah Jamieson struck four goals as Grove Menzieshill thumped Kelburne 7-1. The others came from Jenny Walls, Sue Hamilton and Katie Robertson.

Watsonians moved into fifth place in the table with a 3-1 win over GHK, while Grange defeated Hillhead by the same scoreline.