Back-to-back home wins for Gretna girls

GRETNA FC 2008 Ladies and Girls secured their first-ever win in the SWFL South League last Sunday. They defeated Newton Stewart 3-2 after netting a dramatic 95th-minute winner to claim a massive three points and make it back-to-back home wins at Raydale Park. The hosts nearly opened the scoring after just four minutes, when Claire Rae broke through and fired from close range, only for the Newton keeper to pull off a stunning point-blank save – the first of several incredible stops she would produce throughout the game. Newton struck first on 21 minutes, but Gretna hit back instantly. On 25 minutes, a brilliant delivery into the box found Sophie Mitchell, who rose superbly to power a header goalward. The ball took a slight deflection off a Newton defender before finding the net to make it 1-1. Just eight minutes later, Claire Rae stepped up over a 25-yard free kick and curled a sensational strike into the top corner to put Gretna 2-1 ahead. Newton equalised again on 39 minutes, and both sides went into half-time level after a high-tempo, end-to-end 45 minutes. Newton threatened early in the second half, but Courtney Nelson pulled off a superb fingertip save onto the bar. At the opposite end, the Newton Stewart goalkeeper delivered multiple showstopping saves, denying Gretna repeatedly with bravery, excellent reflexes and superb positioning. Deep into stoppage time, Kenzie Ridpath threaded a perfectly weighted through ball between the Newton defenders. Rae burst onto it, held her composure and slotted the ball home to spark unforgettable scenes at Raydale Park. Manager Shaun Harrison said: “Today is a massive moment for this club – our first ever SWFL South League win, and back-to-back home victories. The effort, belief and togetherness from the girls was outstanding.” The Black and Whites welcome Saint Anthony’s to Raydale on Sunday, kick off is at 4 pm. n MEANWHILE, a fantastic performance from Annan Athletic Ladies over at Galabank saw them claim a 3-1 victory over a strong Cumnock side in what was a well-contested and entertaining match. Both teams battled hard from the first whistle, with plenty of end-to-end action keeping the supporters on their toes. Annan showed great teamwork and determination, taking their chances well to secure three goals, while Cumnock fought hard to pull one back late on. Goalscorers for the Black and Golds were Jessica Wallace, Rhian Williams and Phoebe Thorburn. Athletic travel to Dalbeattie this weekend, kick off at the High School is at 12.30 pm.