Dundee United lifted the SWFL League Cup on Sunday after a convincing 6-0 win over close rivals Dalkeith Ladies at New Bayview, home of East Fife football club. In what again was a great advert for the women’s game, United’s had six different players on the score sheet and if it wasn’t for Dalkeith keeper Lynsey Wright, United easily could have added a few more goals to there tally.

Dalkeith started the match the brighter of the two teams. In what was a slow start to the game, Dalkeith’s football was easy on the eye as they passed the ball around nicely without making any inroads on the United goal. The first 15 minutes of the match was played at a slow tempo with both teams adjusting to the large park and also the skiddy surface.

It was obvious the game needed a goal and United took the lead on 18 minutes. Some nice play down the right wing involving Gallagher and Denney ended up with the ball being played into JOHNSON, she coolly turned and slotted the ball into the corner of the net for her 1st goal of the season.

The tempo of the game instantly increased and United added a second on the half hour mark. A corner into the box from Hughes was half cleared, it fell back to Hughes and her effort smashed off the cross bar, landed at Boag and her header was cleared off the line by the Dalkeith defence but landed at HARKIN and she smashed the ball into the net to give United a 2 goal lead.

10 minutes of constant pressure from United and Dalkeith really have to thank Keeper Wright for the saves she made and keeping them in the match. A free kick into the box from Harking was met by Gallagher and her header was somehow saved by Wright from point blank range and cleared. Then it was Boag who had a shot from 5 yards, again which was somehow saved by Wright. Denney and Boag also had chances to add to United’s lead but somehow the score stayed at two.

It came as no surprise when United added a third on 41 minutes. A corner into the box from Harkin, not the first to cause problems in the Dalkeith defence was met by BOAG and her header soared into the top corner of the net to give United a 3-0 half time lead.

H/T – Dundee United 3 – 0 Dalkeith Ladies

United knew that Dalkeith would come out after half time and try and get back into the game. This proved to be the case and Dalkeith started the second half at a high tempo, obviously buoyed on by Pauline McDonalds half time team talk. The next goal was going to be the pivotal and it was United who added a fourth 10 minutes into the second half.

Gallagher played in Boag and as she came in from the right, tried to round Wright in the Dalkeith Goal, she got a hand to the ball and put Boag off but her cheeky back heal landed at the feet of DENNEY and she tucked the ball into the empty net for United’s fourth.

United went again and tried to add a fifth to there tally. McCully replaced Johnson and Broadie replaced Boag.
United should have added a fifth only minutes after the subs were made. McCully raced down the left wing and her cross was met by Gallagher but somehow Wright in the Dalkeith goal got down to her right and kept the ball out of the net. McCully and Harkin had further chances to score however for some brave defending by Dalkeith, the score remained at four.

However a fifth was added with 12 minutes to go. Denney raced clear and in her attempt was blocked by Wright but the ball landed at the feet of MILNE and her cool chip landed in the empty net for United’s fifth.

After the fifth goal, United replaced Clark in the goal with McKinlay.

United’s sixth came with 5 minutes remaining. McCully and Broadie linked down the left wing and Broadie’s cross was missed by everyone but GALLAGHER at the back post and she took a touch and smashed the ball high into the net over the head of Wright to give Gallagher her first goal since the opening day of the season.

United had further chances in the final five minutes but wasted a few opportunities and Broadie’s free kick on full time whistled just over the cross bar.

The referee brought the game to an end not long after and put United’s name on the trophy for the second time in 3 years (As Lochee United 2005-2006).

F/T – Dundee United 6 – 0 Dalkeith Ladies

Dundee United manager Mary McDonald was absolutely delighted in her sides performance and praised every single player after the game. “I am very proud of all the players today. Their work rate was fantastic and after not sleeping last night because I was so nervous, I’ll definitely sleep well tonight after a few small ones on.”

On behalf of Dundee United ladies, I would like to thank Dave Marshall and David Montador of East Fife Football Club. There help on the day was very much appreciated. Also, special mention must go to the Hospitality at East Fife on the day.

 

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Pre Match Press Report :-

Dundee United will play Dalkeith Ladies in the SWFL League Cup Final on Sunday 9th December at New Bayview Stadium, home of East Fife Football Club.

Sunday’s final is sure to be a very close match between the two sides. Both sides are in the top 4 of the division and with only 3 points separating them in the league and the league meeting in October ending 1-1, both teams will travel to Methil confident they will be lifting the trophy at the end of the match.

Dalkeith’s path to the final has seen them overcome Dons Ladies 3-1, Team Strathclyde 5-1 in Round 2, Dunfermline Ladies 6-0 in Round 3, Celtic B in Round 4 and Cowdenbeath 3-2 AET in the Semi Final.

United’s path has seen them overcome East Fife 14-1 in round two after receiving a bye in the first round, Falkirk 4-2 in Round 3, Hutchison Vale 3-0 in the Quarter Final and Inverness 5-1 in the Semi Final.

Dalkeith will look to experienced captain Dianne Bruce to pull the strings in the middle of the park and will bank on all there experience on Sunday against a young United side.

The match will kick off at 2pm.