Great opening day of Women’s National League 1

Western Wildcats and Clydesdale Western served up a thrilling 2-2 draw at Auchenhowie on the opening day of women`s National League 1. Wildcats roared into the lead in 12 minutes, Niamh Green`s determination won a penalty corner and Catriona Booth converted with a low drag flick into the bottom corner.

Wildcats continued to dominate proceedings in the first half but failed to add to their tally.

The second half saw a change of fortunes, Clydesdale got back into the match and Emma McGregor`s cross was brilliantly deflected into the net by Lexi Sabatelli for the equaliser.

The goal gave Clydesdale a new lease of life and Zara Mason looked to have put her side ahead for the first time but her effort was disallowed after a discussion between the two umpires. At the resulting penalty corner Heather Howie forced the ball home after a goalmouth scramble, again there was a consultation between the officials but this time the goal stood.

1 September 2018 at Auchenhowie. Scottish League Division 1 match – Western Wildcats v Clydesdale Western – photo by Duncan Gray

Only the combined efforts of Bronwyn Shields and keeper Jess Buchanan on the line prevented a Wildcats` equaliser. But the home side were finally rewarded with their persistence with a last minute strike from Emily Powell from close range to secure a share of the points.

Watsonians started their season with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Hillhead on the opening day. The Edinburgh side took only 14 seconds to get their noses in front through Lucy Lanigan, but by the interval Hillhead had drawn level.

Watsonians turned it on the second half and secured the three points with further strikes from Heather Tait and Kate Moffatt.

Dundee Wanderers made an early impact on this season`s campaign with a 3-1 win over Grove Menzieshill in the Tayside derby. Charlotte Watson gave Wanderers an early lead with a tap-in after Heather Elder`s initial shot had been blocked.

After only ten minutes Elder herself was on the scoring sheet to double Wanderers` tally. The third goal came when youngster Michaela McCarthy latched on to a rebound and calmly looped the ball over the keeper. Grove Menzieshill finally retaliated just on the interval, an overtime penalty corner strike by Sam Sangster, ironically a former Wanderers` stalwart, found the net off a defender`s stick.

Grove Menzieshill dominated the second half but failed to make any inroads into Wanderers` lead, although the latter had five penalty corner opportunities to extend their advantage but failed to convert any.

GHK also made a good start to the campaign with a solid 2-0 opening day win over Grange at Old Anniesland.

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