Glasgow City 8 Inverness 1

Glasgow City started the defence of their Premier League crown with three points following a 8-1 win over Inverness at Petershill Park.

Premier League newcomers Inverness got off to a great start, scoring in the opening ten minutes to put the away side in the lead through striker Natalie Bodiam. Within a few minutes City got themselves back into the game when Leanne Ross equalised from close range.  City’s pressure then paid off and they took the lead through midfielder Megan Sneddon after she was set-up at the edge of the box following good play from Suzanne Malone.

City continued to dominte, but some outstanding goalkeeping from Inverness number 1 Kim Jappy kept her side in the match.
 
Half time 2-1.

In the second half City continued to play well and it was only a matter of time before the brave Inverness conceded again, with City’s Rachel Corsie firing home from close range after a City corner.

City’s fourth was through Leanne Ross after excellent work again from Suzanne Malone out wide.

With twenty minutes remaining City brought on Sue Lappin, Ruesha Littlejohn and Leeanne Campbell and the substitutes all soon made an impact, particularly Lappin, who scored with her first touch of the ball. Inverness cleared a corner, which was picked up by City full back Emma Fernon and her ball met the perfectly timed run from Lappin who stroked home with just the keeper to beat.

Goal number six came from Ruesha Littlejohn who converted from the penalty spot after striker Jane Ross was felled in the box.

Number seven was converted by Lappin for her second of the match, scoring with a trade mark header.

With minutes remaining City Captain Laura Montgomery made it 8-1 scoring with a fine header from a Leanne Ross corner.

City boss Peter Caulfield was delighted with his side’s start to the campaign, he said.

“It was a positive start to the season, with a good home victory after coming back from what was a tough week in Europe. It was good to see so many different players on the scoresheet and everybody contributed to the match. The strength and depth that we have in the squad allowed us to freshen things up a little and I am sure this will hold us in good stead for the rest of the season.”

09.08.09

Inverness Ladies were dealt a harsh lesson as they faced last year’s champions Glasgow City. The Highland side took a shock lead on seven minutes when Natalie Bodiam swept home a fine cross from Lorraine Cadden before the Glasgow side levelled four minutes later. Some gallant last ditch defending prevented City taking the lead until five minutes before half time. The second half saw the Glasgow side up the pace and the overworked Inverness defence were on the back foot for long spells and their resistance was finally broken as the goal tally mounted. Three goals in the last eight minutes put a rather harsh look on the final score but Inverness took several positives from the game. Goalkeeper Kim Jappy comes in for special praise, despite losing eight goals she produced a string of super saves and seventeen year old debutants Laura McLeod and Megan McCarthy both produced fine performances.

Team

Kim Jappy, Sarah Main, Louise Curley, Karen Mason Claire Mackay (Molly Alexander 52mins), Lisa Mackenzie, Finella Annand, Laura MacLeod, Lorraine Cadden, Natalie Bodiam, Leanne Calder ( Megan McCarthy 65 mins).