SWFA 1st Division.
Dundee United Ladies V Falkirk Ladies.
Sunday 23rd March 2008 @ 14:00pm.
“3 points gift wrapped and delivered for United”
The Falkirk Ladies travelled north to Tayside for a vital clash against Dundee United today knowing that they they had to be at the top of their game to play against a team that were unbeaten in 11 league games prior to this one. With almost a full squad available for selection barring the injured Raudh Houston and Kate 'JJ' Sheppard, Coaches Wilson and Thomson were confident that the players would be up for the challenge ahead - how wrong can soneone be !!!!!
Playing in a familiar 3-5-2 formation, the Bairns kicked off playing into a strong head wind.
In a break from the normal when it comes to post match reports the first 37 minutes of the game are without doubt the most lack-lustered, un-interested and effortless performances I have had the misfortune to witmess in my time as a coach in the woman's game and as a result my Falkirk Ladies found themselves 5-0 down and sunk without trace. Never before have I seen a team with players, who can actually play a bit, look so out of sorts and had the game had been a boxing match the referee would have been kinder to step in and stop it.
Enough was enough at this point and a double change in the line-up saw Nic Letford and Kelly Fullerton being replaced with Natalie Stewart and Shirley Martin. It is disasppointing that there are only 3 subs permitted to be used in any one game as there was a hole host of candidates readily available to be withdrawn at such an early stage in what should have been a close run game.
Half-time: Dundee United (5) v (0) Falkirk Ladies.
A few words of gentle motivation and a reminder that the players still had to show up was the order off the day in the Falkirk dressing-room at the break as coaches Wilson and Thomson left no stone unturned. I make no appoligies for the tone used towards the players as to many looked to be going through the motions and appeared not to be interested in the fight on the pitch.
Playing for little more than pride in the 2nd half and with their ears ringing, the players took to the field to salvage what they could from the match. With the wind at their back this half the Bairms moved forward in search of their opening goal.
On 49 min, Sarah MacLernan was replaced with Jennifer Dick at left back.
A crisp passing move involving Alana Marshall and Ashley McDonald, 51min, set up a shooting opportunity Alana but she pulled the shot wide of the target and the chance was gone. The left-side in attack was proving fruitful for the Bairns as Ashley McDonald found space in the penalty area, 53 min, to get the shot away which the keeper saved and deflected for the corner.
Just when the Bairns were looking interested in the game, along came United's 6th goal of the afternoon. A cross from the Falkirk left, 60min, found it's way to the edge of the 6-yard box and after keeper Melville had made the original save the ball was fired against the post and nestled in the back of the net (6-0). The Bairns took centre again and instantly did the simple stuff to great effect. Alana Marshall twisted and turned down the United left, 62min, and delivered a pin-point cross which Emma 'Kirky' Lyons met with a solid header to open the Bairns account (6-1).
A rather unsavoury incident on 72min should have seen Falkirk Ladies reduced to 10 players. Falkirk skipper Clare Harris and the United Skipper (no6) clashed after a challenge for the ball which could have and should have seen RED for the Bairns full back however the referee felt it was only harsh enough to speak with the player rather than show a card. Due to her reaction towards the referee the United skipper was yellow carded !!!!
Full-time: Dundee United (6) v (1) Falkirk Ladies.
Coach Wilson commented:- The performance of the team as a whole was not good enough, not by a long straw and it was really disappointing and disheartning to see players apparently in good voice during the cool down with the result not really seeming to bother a few. With fit and available players on the bench today, Roy Houston and JJ Sheppard returning to training this week and an additional 'trialist' available for next Sunday, players should not be surprised to find themselves sitting on the bench next week.
Between a lack of effort, lack of commitment, lack of discipline and lack of desire throughout the starting 11 today it should come as no surprise in the home dressing room next Sunday. Another performance like today's and the Bairns can forget their push at the top of the 1st division.
Next up..........................
SWFA - 1st Division.
Sunday 30th March @ 2:00pm
Falkirk Ladies V Paisley City Ladies.
