Rangers 3 Aberdeen Women 1 Scottish Power Women's Premier League 1 Broadwood Stadium Sunday 20 September, 4.10pm
Three first-half goals in eight minutes condemned Aberdeen Women to a 3-1 defeat away at Rangers on Sunday afternoon.
The young Dons competed tremendously well in the second 45 after a tricky opening period against the league leaders, scoring the only goal of the half through Melissa Regmi.
Nathan Flight made three changes to his side that lost at The Spartans a fortnight ago.
Olivia Reid was on international duty with the Scotland U17s and dropped out, as did Mia Selbie and Iona Watt, with the latter taking a spot on the bench, which featured just four outfielders, none older than 17. Erin Carrol, Holly Daniel, and Melissa Regmi returned to the XI for the trip to Broadwood.
Berry showed her quality within the first two minutes, skinning Mayhew and driving into the box, the forward attempting to square across goal, despite getting a shot away looking the better option. Berry was involved again a minute later, her header saved by Katie O’Hanlon. Calliste Brookshire looked lovely for the hosts in the opening stages, the winger firing into the side netting after a mazy run on 10’. Against the run of play it looked like it actually might have been The Dons who would take the lead on 12’, Walsh won the ball high up before attempting to play through Nesbeth who just couldn’t quite get onto the end of the pass that would have put her one-on-one with Fife. O’Hanlon was called into action again on 19’, this time making a great save to deny Black from the edge of the box. 1-0 on 24’ and a frustrating way to go behind after doing well. Black’s free-kick was directed towards the back post and across goal by Docherty to the patiently waiting Berry who made no mistake in converting from close range. Berry again after 27’ McAuley’s ball in behind the Dons defence was met by Austin whose first-time ball found Berry inside the box who finished high and beyond O’Hanlon. The Dons looked rattled by the two quick-fire goals and Brookshire came very close to making things worse, her effort smashing off the crossbar on 29’. Aberdeen were the architects of their own downfall after the half-hour mark, Mayhew’s awkward back pass just about cut out by Cemal who could only clear as far as Hay. The winger needed no second invitation to send a perfect cross to the back post for Wilkinson to attack and duly make 3-0. There was time left in the half for more Rangers chances, Wilkinson and Berry continuing to threaten, but the hosts were made to settle for three going in at the break. Half-time Rangers 3-0 Aberdeen.
Flight was forced into his first change on 52’, Emily Simpson unable to continue after taking a whack to the face. Iona Watt was introduced in her place. Salvetti looked to set up Walsh on the hour, the American undone by a slack final ball after a decent run. Up the other end on 60’ Wilkinson struck the woodwork from close range. Millie Buchan was Aberdeen’s next substitute on 71’, Erin Carrol making way. Daniel had to go from range not long after, the Dons No.11 forcing a save out of Fife. Up the other end a minute later, O’Hanlon saved from Thrysoe. The Dons got on the scoresheet on 76’, Regmi getting enough on her attempt to beat Fife for her first senior team goal. The strike was no less than Aberdeen deserved for their second-half performance. Regmi’s race was run not long after, Iona Hoyle to see out the closing stages. The wait for the first points of the league season goes on, but Nathan Flight’s young side will take an immense amount of confidence from a strong showing on the road.
Full-time: Rangers 3-1 Aberdeen Women.
STATS
Rangers: 1. Fife, 2. Docherty C, 7. Hay, 9. Berry, 11. Roelfsema, 13. Boyce, 16. Austin, 24. Brookshire, 26. McLeary, 40. Black, 44. Wilkinson Substitutes: 36. Rarity, 3. Collins, 4. Hill, 8. Thrysoe, 10. Hannah Blake, 22. Smith, 29. Connolly-Jackson
GOALS: Berry 24' 27' Wilkinson 32' Aberdeen: 1. O'Hanlon, 2. Salvetti, 4. Nesbeth, 6. Carrol (Buchan 71'), 10. Walsh, 11. Daniel, 15. Finnie C, 17. Regmi (Hoyle 85'), 24. Simpson (Watt 52'), 32. Mayhew, 43. Cemal Substitutes: 12. Signorini, 21. Buchan, 22. Watt, 26. Skinner, 27. Hoyle
GOAL: Regmi 76'
