Goals by Abbi McDonald and Nina Fitzsimmons were enough for Queen's to win the SWPL2 League game against Stirling University yesterday at Stirling.
Coach Barry Rogers made 3 changes from the team that played Glasgow City. Lauren Kerr, Hannah Fulton and Mhairi Fyfe being replaced by Lauren Ray, Demi Potts and Nicole Cairney.
The last time the two sides played, in October, Stirling won the game with two late goals at Toryglen.
A ‘Spring’ like day welcomed the two sided to the pitch. Despite a cold wind blowing down the pitch, it was almost perfect conditions for playing.
Queen’s started brightly, pushing Stirling back despite playing into the breeze.
Six minutes into the game, Queen’s were awarded a penalty when Rachel Connor was upended in the penalty box.
Abbi McDonald stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past the University keeper into the corner of the net
Queen’s continued to press, but the game was bogged down in midfield with neither side able to create any clear chances.
In the 25th minute, Rachel Connor, who was enjoying great success on the ball, struck a superb shot from 12 yards out, only to be denied by an equally fine save by Ellie Mitchell in goal for Stirling.
Queen’s were now enjoying their best spell of the half. They were finding space on the wings and creating a number of chances. In the 30th minute, Nicole Cairney fired off a low shot from the edge of the box and again the Uni keeper was equal to it.
Half-time: Stirling University 0 Queen’s Park 1
Queen’s started the second half with the now strong wind behind them. They quickly pressed Stirling back and created a number of chances.
Stirling fought back and, although under pressure, managed a few fast breaks.
In the 65th minute, Stirling got a free kick wide right, just outside the Queen’s penalty box. The ball was swung in, Sarah Rhind pulled off a great save, diving to her left to deny a certain goal.
Queen’s continued to dominate possession and pushed for a second goal to seal the win. Stirling defended soundly and were dangerous when they managed an attack.
In the 83rd minute Queen’s doubled their lead. Nina Fitzsimmons received a pass from Abby Callaghan, 25 yard out, controlled the ball then unleashed an unstoppable shot which flew past the Stirling keeper into the corner of the net. A great goal.
Queen’s made a double substitution in the 89th minute replacing Demi Potts and Nicole Cairney with Cara Andersan and Franced Hopgood.
Full-time: Stirling University 0 Queen’s Park 2
Stirling University: Mitchell, Hill (Lyons 55′), Gallacher, Malcolm,Mitchell, Sanchez (Bonner 77′), Scott, Ramage, Robertson, H. Watson, T. Watson. Subs not used: Jackman, McKay, Rainer, Troll, Wilson.
Queen’s Park: Rhind, McIndoe, Kane, Ray, Sloey, McDonald, Fitzsimmons , Cairney (Hopgood 89′), Connor, Potts (Anderson 89′), Callaghan.