City top table on day one 

Premier League Champions Glasgow City began the defence of their title with a 4-1 win over First Division Winners Dundee United, putting them at the top of the League on day one.

City started the game relatively well, but the match did not go entirely to plan, when United took a shock first half lead. A free-kick from outside the City box was well hit and despite Angie Livingston in the City net touching the ball against the bar, it came back down and bounced over the line. It was a frustrating first half for City as they went in 1-0 down despite creating over ten chances to United’s two in the entire first period.

In the second half, City continued to dominate play and it looked only a matter of time before the United defence would be breached. The equalising goal came from Leanne Ross when she headed in cross ball which had been flicked on well by Sue Lappin at the front post. At this point it looked as if there was only ever going to be one winner and despite a number of outstanding saves from the United keeper, City did take the lead fifteen minutes into the second half, when Megan Sneddon converted at the back post after a City corner.

Next on the scoresheet was City striker Jane Ross who converted from close range as City continually piled the pressure onto the United rearguard. Number four was completed by Katharina Lindner who rose to head home a cross from full back Leeanne Campbell.

It was a comfortable win for City, despite their indifferent first half, and boss Peter Caulfield was delighted with the three points. He said, “We knew this would be a tough match. United were excellent champions of the First Division and they will do well this season in the Premier, especially here, at their home park. Unfortunately, the match did not go entirely to plan, but with the amount of chances we had created in the first half, I knew if we continued to play we would finish with all three points. Our main aim this season is to retain the title and to be top on day one is fantastic. I am really pleased with all of the girls.

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Dundee United lost there opening SWPL match, going down 4-1 to reigning SWPL champions Glasgow City at Thomson Park in Dundee.

Despite the result, the young united side, who started with 4 players making there premier league debuts, can hold there heads up high pushing Glasgow all the way in a keenly contested encounter.

United took the lead on the half hour mark and few would contest that United deserved the lead at this point. After some great pressing work from Gallagher and McCulley, United were awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal. Tammy HARKIN took the resulting kick and her shot high at the goal was parried into the net by Glasgow keeper Williamson to give United a one nil lead.

This lead stayed until half time and United went in a goal to the good at the break.

HT – Dundee United 1 – 0 Glasgow City

Glasgow showed there intent straight from kick off and immediately laid siege on the United goal.

It took only 7 minutes for Glasgow to equalise and Leanne Ross was the Glasgow scorer.

Minutes later City took the lead and through Kat Linder and added a third through and completed the scoring with 10 minutes to go through Megan Sneddon.

United had a couple of half chances with Laurie Denney screwing her shot wide and Emma McCulleys cut back evading everyone and going to safety.

FT – Dundee United 1 – 4 Glasgow City

Dundee United manager Mary McDonald said after the game “The girls gave there all today but came up against a very good and organised Glasgow side. However, the girls should take real heart from there performance, especially there first half efforts. The girls proved today they are a match for anyone in this league and will hold no fears going into the rest of the campaign. Obviously we are disappointed in losing the match but the early signs are encouraging and we will look forward to our next match at Raith Rovers.”