Whilst Aberdeen was looking out the waders and flippers the GCW Ladies 1s had a wet journey to Twedbank to play Borders. The major surprise however was that the weather in Tweedbank was pretty tropical with glorious sunshine. Borders are in the top two in the division so this looked like a difficult trip.
The game started brightly and pacey, but it was only two minutes in when Borders scored. The forwards looked panicky as they approached the GCW circle but as they pushed the ball forward to evade tackles it seemed to find another Borders player on each occasion and eventually the player at the back post pushed the ball home for a 1-0 lead.
It seemed like a touch of déjà vu however the girls’ heads stayed on task and in 8 minutes a bouncing ball into the circle was met by Eva Sheal who took the chance by reverse flicking past keeper and on rushing defender to level the game up.
It was hoped we could just settle down at this point and make life difficult for the home side but sadly we presented Borders with a gilt-edged chance to score which Borders gleefully accepted. Therefore it was a bit of déjà vu to previous games and going 2-1 down in the first period was hardly promising.
The second quarter was even with neither side having any clear opportunities until a Borders player travelled from the right side of the 25 into the left side of the circle unchallenged and fire a fine reverse stick shot home for a 3-1 lead.
It looked like GCW would get back within a goal when Eleanor Barr intercepted a crossfield ball and drove into the circle, as the keeper approached she pulled the ball right to open up for a shot and between the keeper and the defender Eleanor ended up on the ground. The claims for penalty flick were turned down and the sides went into half time with Borders leading 3-1.
The second half saw a change of shape for GCW and the side looked more comfortable. The extra pressure produced two penalty corners and the game was levelled up when from one of the corners the stop was fumbled but as the ball was played back in Heather Hunter calmly flicked the ball inside the post to edge the score closer at 3.-2. The final quarter produced no further additions to the scoring as Shiona Littlejohn produced some good last ditch tackles. A GCW forward who I have promised not to name did have a late break into the circle, but her shot was not as she wished and went wide. Final score a win for Borders 3-2.
Meanwhile in Aberdeen the GCW 3s took on Highland and won 3-0 with goals from Esther Walterson, Jane Somerset and Isla Goodbrand. The 2s lost 3-1 to Ellon to dampen spirits although the weather was doing its best to do that for us. The final girls result of the weekend saw the 4s win a close match against the 5s 1-0 wit ha goal 5 minutes from time.
Rain what rain, it is always sunny playing for GCW.
