Uni have the edge to leapfrog Hutchie
Stirling Univ ..............2 Hutchison Vale .........0
After failing to take anything from their last two SWPL matches, Stirling University were determined to land all three points against Hutchison Vale at home on Sunday.
The game started at a high tempo and the speed of the Uni wingers Rachel Donaldson and Ashley McDonald caused the visitors immediate problems. In particular Donaldson was having a lot of success driving past the left back and whipping in great crosses.
The pressure from the home team paid off early after a long ball to striker Nicole Pullar saw her pull the ball down at the edge of the 18 yard box and spin and shoot in the one move. Her shot floated over the diving Hutchie goalkeeper who got a hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out and Stirling went into a well deserved 1-0 lead.
Pullar nearly repeated the move just five minutes later but this time the goalie was able to push the ball on to the crossbar and away. But Stirling’s second goal came soon after when Jade Gallon whipped in a corner and Jennifer Godfrey found herself unmarked to run on to the cross and head the ball home - a sweet moment for the midfielder who is just making her comeback after 18 months out with a serious knee injury.
In the second half, Vale looked more likely to score but Stirling defended well against every attack and made a few chances for themselves. The full-time whistle came and a happy Stirling side moved above Hutchie Vale into seventh position.
Head coach Tommy Craig said after the game:“We were sure we could take the three points today but particularly in the second half Hutchie made us work for it. This was a vital win and keeps us up there in touching distance of the top six. We have two tough league matches left before the league split but we will try and take something from both the games”
The team face Spartans on Sunday, June 14 at Spartans Academy in Edinburgh.