Match report

Match report

With Strathalbyn beating Stirling 2-1 in the AHJFA Cup five days earlier the two teams lined up. For Strathalbyn, the opportunity to prove again the force they’ve become. For Stirling, a win to guarantee the premiership, but anything less almost certainly runners up.

A stiff breeze across and down the pitch stifled more free running play but the sides quickly adapted to a low, shorter, passing game. With the breeze in their favour Strathalbyn were quickly in attack and pressing the Stirling defence which held firm. Then with just a skerrick of space Strathalbyn’s first real shot – but controlled by Stirling’s keeper Emma Dalton around the 6-minute mark. Thereafter, with the ball mostly confined to the downwind side of the pitch, Stirling worked the ball forward against the wind in series of strenuous close passing movements. Zora Huang, pivotal in such efforts, got behind the defence more than once but was denied by good keeping. Strathalbyn kicking with wind were quickly back to Stirling’s half only to have Stirling work it back again and again with several shots brushing the outside of the post. Much of the first half continued in this fashion.

Strathalbyn in return had some sharp shots but controlled by some good Stirling keeping including a one-on-one that was just able to be deflected, and diving save at the feet of running attackers. Then a switch play saw Stirling’s Auriana Healy with space to run and in speedy solo effort, beat several defenders, to slot a fine goal.  Strathalbyn’s never say die attitude saw them continue to press Stirling hard and with only a minute to half time Zara Yates, given too much space, slotted another fine goal to add to her brace from the Cup final five days earlier.

The second half saw Stirling pin Strathalbyn in their own half for much of the time, however the Strathalbyn defensive unit was proving impenetrable. In reply Strathalbyn launched several good attacks but the Stirling defence and keeper were not too stretched and were able to quickly return the ball to their midfield to resume attack. With about 25 minutes of the half elapsed and the game seemly heading to a draw Stirling’s Evie-Mae Kaines broke through the Strathalbyn defensive line, and despite close attention from defenders, slotted home a sharp goal to give Stirling the lead. Thereafter despite a few additional good chances Stirling were just unable to capitalise on, no further goals were earned by either side. For Stirling the narrow 2-1 win reversing the score line from five days earlier and earning them the season premiership. For Strathalbyn another display of the highly competitive force they evolved into during the season.