The last National Indoor event that took place involving GCW players was the Inter District U18 tournament on the 1st Feb 2020. Sunday saw the return of women’s National Indoor League. Most clubs like GCW had little preparation for the games given the restrictions placed on venues by local authorities so it was going to be a mixed bag of abilities and tactics.
The GCW ladies had two games to contend with at DISC in Dundee on their debut for season 2021/22. The squad that travelled sadly had two late call offs. The girls who did travel, which included a late call up for Isla Goodbrand, were “lovin it” although ha little sore at the end of the day.
First up was a game against Dundee Wanderers 2s. With Lisa Clyne and Shiona Littlejohn marshalling the troops the girls went into a 1-0 lead when Jo Thomas announced her return to league action with an opening goal. This was soon followed by a second from Abby Miller poaching at the back post. 2-0 at half time and already some tired girls.
The second half saw the Dundee version of Wanderers cut the lead from a Penalty Corner. The GCW defence however was holding and looking very controlled and proving although indoor is a fast game a fast brain works better. GCW won a corner of their own and Shiona Littlejohn listened to the coach then ignored him to score for a winning 3-1 lead.
This was a bit of a bonus given the events of putting the squad together and the lack of training for the group. It came down to earth with a bit of a bump in the second game when after a strong defensive performance in the first period GCW went in after the first quarter 1-0 down. Tiredness was the main enemy however and despite a late rally and a fine individual goal from Heather Hunter the girls lost out 5-1.
Some sore bodies today I guess?
