19.10.19 - Kelburne Ladies' 1s Draw vs Inverleith HC 1-1

Looking back to last Saturday, the Kelburne Ladies 1st XI travelled to the capital to play Inverleith in National League 2. With a depleted youthful squad Drew Berry and Rachael Ewing-Day were the only players over 20. While Aimee McGrane, Freya Halliday and Charley Austin, who were all given their debuts last week, found themselves in the starting eleven. Madeline Bower another youngster brought into the squad for her debut, also started the fixture. However after a energetic warm up the Paisley team started the game will confidence and enthusiasm, maintaining possessions well in their own half. Nevertheless Inverleith created the best chances of this half but could not find a way beyond the Kelburne keeper Emily Irving. Solid defending from Berry, Bower, McGrane and Halliday kept Inverleith at bay. While Dalia Stewart and Ewing-Day was quick to run down all corner attempts. The score at half time was 0-0. The second half saw Kelburne take the game to the Edinburgh side with the defence supporting the attack at every opportunity. Abbie Irvine, Megan Ralph and Holly Hendry all offering width and depth in midfield when Kelburne were in possession. On occasion the Edinburgh outfit broke at pace, however Irving was quick off her line to see the ball out when required, making some miraculous point blank reactive saves. Notably with 15 minutes remaining and during one of these breaks Maddie found herself yellow carded after her tackle as the last player was deemed strategic. Kelburne had to reshuffle in defence and unfortunately conceded during this period, with a through ball from the left finding its way underneath Irving. Surprisingly the inexperienced Paisley side showed excellent determination to come alive after goal. Amber Henry working hard up front to claim a series of short corners. Drew’s shots on the first two occasions narrowly missed the left hand post. However with 3 minutes remaining Ewing-Day’s top D shot was deflected off a Inverleith stick into the roof of the net and Kelburne ladies equalised. Both sides worked tirelessly in the remaining few minutes as Inverleith through everything at the Paisley team in search of a winner. Nevertheless the young side showed wisdom beyond their years to calmly deal with the pressure and the game finished 1-1. Most valuable player was Emily Irving who’s display between the sticks kept Kelburne alive on many occasions. While Madeline Bowers strong debut merited applause from both sets of fans.