Big time for CALA

ARTHUR McKAY  WOMEN`S SCOTTISH CUP
SEMI-FINALS  – PEFFERMILL ON SUNDAY 01 APRIL 2012

It is a considerable time since CALA  have been
competing for silverware, but there is a buzz about the Edinburgh
side just now as they take on VWS Dundee Wanderers in the
semi-final of the Arthur McKay women`s Scottish Cup at Peffermill
on Sunday.

Perhaps they have been fortunate in avoiding either Grove
Menzieshill or Milne Craig Western in the draw, but it was their
own efforts that saw off Giffnock in the previous
round.    In addition, three back to back victories
over Glynhill Kelburne, GHK and Giffnock have lifted the Capital
outfit into sixth place in the league table.

“The girls know it is going to be a tough game against
Wanderers, but in the last few weeks they have been in top form, so
we are confident we can get a result,” said Jonny Stirling, CALA`s
coach.

Team captain Emma Watson, who herself has been slotting in the
goals, feels that her squad deserve more credit for their
performance this season.   “Outside the top two teams in
the league, we are unbeaten this half of the season and that has
been achieved through hard work and a great team ethic.  We
have a really strong group of core players that have been playing
for the club for a long time, and I am please they are getting the
chance to showcase their talents this weekend.”  

Although Wanderers won the only league clash  5-1 early in
the season, the Taysiders have had an indifferent season so far,
some good results but far too many dropped points in the
process.

But Wanderers` international goalkeeper Carmin Dow is certainly
up for it.   “CALA are always tough opposition and they
have had a couple of good results recently.  We are well aware
this is going to be a hard game, and so we`ll put everything into
it and hope to come out on top.”

The other tie is a mouth-watering affair between Grove and
Western, top and second respectively in the league table.  The
clubs have had contrasting fortunes this season, Grove totally
dominated the first half of the season, including a 4-1 win over
Western, but have relied on a couple of last gasp strikes recently
to keep their noses in front.   In contrast, the Glasgow
youngsters have put together an impressive 14 game winning run,
with a 2-1 victory over Grove in the process.

Neil Menzies, Western`s coach, sums up his current
assessment.   “In recent years we would have approached
such a game hoping for a good performance and hoping for a good
result.

“The level of our performance this season means that we are a
confident squad at the moment and we know that we can win. 
Grove have not been quite the dominant force they once were, but
they are still the team to beat, so we are looking forward to the
challenge.”  

Perhaps Menzies` summation of the situation is correct, but the
Taysiders are still rattling in the goals, and recently
internationalists Ali Bell and Ailsa Wyllie have been in fine
striking form.   Western`s defence, which has conceded
only two goals in the seven matches since the winter break, will
have to snuff out that twin threat if Menzies` charges are to make
the final.

And Ailsa Wyllie, Grove`s captain, has a simple message for the
Western management.  “We will go into the match on Sunday
confident and believing that we can win the game and reach the
final.”

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