High drama at Oriam as late Kerr goal squeezes City into last 32 of the Champions League

into Friday’s last-32 draw, writes Alan Campbell.

A goal in 85 minutes by 19-year-old Sam Kerr killed off Gornik’s chances and also eliminated Anderlecht, who hammered Martve 10-0 in the simultaneous Group 3 game at Ainslie Park.

Kerr’s goal, at the outdoor pitch at Oriam, came on top of a first-half header by fellow midfielder Jo Love. Had the score remained at 1-0, Anderlecht, would have gone through. Equally, Gornik would have topped the group had they found an equaliser before Kerr scored.

City, Gornik and Anderlecht all ended up with six points and identical goal differences in the three counting games against each other. City went through because they scored one goal more.

The outcome gave head coach Scott Booth double cause for celebration as it was his 100th game in charge of the team. “I didn’t know that, but it’s nice to win such a huge match for the club,” he said. “It’s great to have something else to look forward to – it’s exactly what the players want and need right now.”

City took the lead after 33 minutes when Abbi Grant crossed from the byeline and Love headed the ball past Anna Palinska. The goal came only two minutes after Grant had missed a golden chance, rounding the keeper but allowing Jolanta Siwinska to clear her weak shot off the line.

With the 1-0 half-time scoreline no use to either, both sides went hard for the goal they needed in the second half, and it was Kerr who took City through when she slammed home the vital second goal five minutes from time.