Paties Road, 2pm, September 10th.

Hutchison Vale Ladies played their first home game of the Premier League against a Raith Rovers side who won their first game of the season against Aberdeen Ladies.  Raith have finished mid-table in the Premier League since they were promoted 5 years ago, Hutchie knew the game was going to be tough. 

Although Hutchie were playing some great football inspired by Lynsey McFarland in the middle of the park, Raith looked strong on the break and this eventually paid off for them when they took the lead through Katie Bennet after 30 minutes.  Hutchie Ladies did well to continue to play their passing game despite going a goal down and were unlucky to go in 1-0 down at the end of the first half. 

The second half started much the same as the first, Hutchie playing some good football and Raith again very strong on the break, hitting the woodwork early on.  The introduction of Rosie Welch with 30 minutes to go lifted the ladies again, and they dominated in the final stages of the match.  After going 3-4-3 in the final stages, Welch was brought down in the area and a penalty was awarded.  The striker elected to take the penalty herself, but as she set herself up to take it a Raith player was booked for dissent.  The penalty was struck over the bar and Hutchie were left chasing the game at 1-0 down. 

At the final whistle, the ladies were disappointed not to pick up any points from the game, but were left knowing that they had competed with a team that finished mid-table last year.  The Raith management team picked out captain Anna Donald as man of the match, Anna leading by example from the back putting in another solid performance.

Next week brings league contenders Glasgow City away, Hutchie will be looking to find another inspirational performance to match the Scottish Cup holders.

Hutchie Team (4-4-2): Rachel Harrison, Jen Wales, Anna Donald (c), Karen Keighren, Lauren Miller (sub Suzanne Jackson 75), Gemma Gilchrist, Pam Livingston, Lynsey McFarland, Nicola Russell (sub Lissa McIntyre 70), Carla Hanson (sub Rosie Welch 60).  Subs not used: Lynsey Cowan, Jen Mowat, Lyndsay Nimmo.