Zoe Keys’ sensational free-kick on the stroke of half time ensured Glasgow Girls passage into the Semi-Final of the SWF Scottish Cup with a 3-2 victory over Monifieth Reds at Riverview Park. In a contest high in both quality and entertainment three first half goals saw the West Region side continue on their Scottish Cup journey.
Both teams looking to emulate last year’s winners Celtic overcame tricky ties in the Fourth Round with Monifieth overcoming Real Fife and Glasgow Girls victorious against Hutchison Vale.
Monifieth started the match full of purpose and good pressure by Katie Shaw won the first corner of the tie, the same players looping delivery almost connected with Aimee Robertson who had taken up a good position in the box. Robertson continued to display good movement in the attacking third and came close to diverting Kacey McCabe’s through ball after an impressive run.
Glasgow created their first opportunity moments later and good link up play between Keys and Olivia Oliver led to an effort which finished wide of the post.
Glasgow began to enjoy some sustained possession, but it was Monifieth who opened the scoring after Six minutes. Robertson rewarded for her earlier attacking endeavour picked up a loose ball and sent a powerful drive past India Marwaha in the Glasgow goal.
Despite the setback the away side advanced forward and drew level after eight minutes, Ellie McGoldrick knocking past the keeper after a good ball from Oliver. The impressive link up between the pair almost led to a second, with Aallyah-Jay Meach producing a good save in the Monifieth goal.
Robertson continued to be heavily involved in the home side’s attacking play and delivered an inviting ball across goal which finished beyond the onrushing Shaw.
Having almost gone behind for the second time in the contest, Glasgow responded and took the lead after 16 minutes through Sophie McGoldrick, the number 9 showing good composure to beat the keeper having been played through by an incisive pass from Keys.
Following the concession of the goal Monifieth looked to restore parity with Kacey McCabe heavily involved, first having a shot deflected over the bar and then finishing off a surging run with an effort narrowly wide of target.
The final action of the first half saw Glasgow extend their lead, after 30 minutes Olivia King won a free-kick in a dangerous area with Keys converting the set piece ensuring a two goal lead for Glasgow at the interval.
Half Time: Monifieth Reds 1-3 Glasgow Girls
As the Second Half began Monifieth exerted pressure as they looked for a way back into the Quarter Final Tie, McCabe having an effort which was held by Marwaha and Robertson seeing her shot tipped onto the bar.
Glasgow continued to be useful going forward with McGoldrick and Oliver combining similarly to that of first half and calling Meach into action.
The stop by the keeper was to prove crucial as Monifieth scored their second of the afternoon after 36 minutes, Robertson’s well placed free-kick was cleared on the line and Shaw was on hand to convert the rebound. At this stage the momentum appeared to be with the home side as they pushed for an equalizer with the impressive Robertson heavily involved, directing a free-kick narrowly wide and delivering a good ball beyond Shaw lurking in the box.
With Monifieth pushing forward Glasgow almost took advantage on the counter through King’s effort which struck the upright following a powerful run. In the final stages Monifieth continued to press and Marwaha did brilliantly to keep out a succession of efforts from McCabe and Robertson.
Ultimately both sides served up a contest worthy of a Quarter Final in the SWF Scottish Cup, Monifieth can take heart from their display and the number of chances created bodes well for the future. Meanwhile Glasgow Girls can look forward to a Semi-Final tie and based on their performance today may well be celebrating silverware at the end of the season.
Full Time: Monifieth Reds 2-3 Glasgow Girls
Lineups-
Monifieth Reds
00. Aallyah-Jay Meach
20. Aimee Robertson
39. Sasha Craig
43. Libby Foster
55. Kacey McCabe
58. Katie Shaw
63. Cally Taylor
72. Liberty Whyte
Glasgow Girls
1. India Marwaha
3. Zoe Keys
5. Abbie Cusack
6. Olivia King
7. Ellie McGoldrick
8. Sophie Bustard
9. Sophie McGoldrick
10. Katie Hendry
11. Olivia Oliver
12. Robyn Rossetti
Star Players
Monifieth Reds : Aimee Robertson – Instrumental in her sides attacking play throughout the contest and rewarded with a fantastic strike to open the scoring.
Glasgow Girls : India Marwaha – Impressive display and showed good reflexes to deny Monifieth Reds late in the match.
