Saturday 23rd August Big welcome back to all the girls and supporters. With the start of a new season upon us the girls were showing some nerves as well as the coaches and our supporters. Dumfries had travelled up looking for this opening game to be 3 points in the bag for them. They did look good enough and gave Saints a fight in the first 5 minutes where they came close a couple of times, however even with it being the first game of the season Caitlin McDonald was every bit as good as she was when finishing last seasons campaign and with her strong hands and good positioning nothing got past her in the first half. Throughout the whole team all girls gave a very good account of themselves, we saw some lovely moves and passes, Paisley put Dumfries under pressure and pinned them back for most of the half resulting in corner after corner. Club captain Nicole Howie was at the top of her crossing game in placing the ball in the 9 yard box. Steph Brown and Hayley Lang scored a goal each from exceptional headers and Hayley went on to score her second goal just before half time. In the second half Saints had a team change giving all three subs a game and rested some of the girls who gave 100% to their team and worked very hard. Dumfries also gave a very good account of themselves, well organised and good passing of the ball. They pulled back two goals within the first twenty minutes of the second half, Saints were showing signs of frustration and fatigue with some tired legs, however they kept their team spirit and continued their good passing and possession. Steph Snowdon moved from defence into centre midfield where she was showing some of the form from last season - winning the ball and driving forward. She made a lovely interception outside the Dumfries box, strolled passed three players with some excellent footwork and drilled the ball past the keeper. Dumfries scored their third goal with a couple of minutes to go, tiredness was setting in this time. Encouraging to watch the girls passing and teamwork to take all three points. Well done to all 14 girls, you did yourselves and the club proud. Get well soon to Lauren O’Donnell who turned up prior to kick off but unfortunately had to go home as she was unwell. Squad Details : Caitlin McDonald, Hayley Lang (2), Angela McPhee, Stephanie Snowdon (1), Hannah Gilchrist, Nicole Howie, Stephanie Brown (1), Amy Lindsay, Stephanie Knox, Karla Palmer, Danielle Statham |