YFS
Hamilton Academical WFC secured a historic Scottish Women's Football Youth Cup final victory after an inspired display against a strong Celtic side at Oriam. A late first half strike from Morven McLellan gave Accies the lead, before Lucy Barclay levelled midway through the second half for the Hoops. The game was in the balance but Sophia Martin stepped up to the plate with a superb double, before skipper Abigail Tobin rounded off the scoring with a sublime fourth.
Both sides had been in red hot form going into the match and it was a final that certainly had the nation gripped. Accies had been in relentless goalscoring form on the road to Oriam, scoring no less than 52 goals in their victories over Murieston United, Hibernian Green, Heart of Midlothian, Drumsagard, Raith Rovers and Central Girls Legends.
Celtic had also hit the goal trail in the opening three rounds with comprehensive victories over Stenhousemuir, Cambusdoon and Clark Drive. They then faced sterner tests in the form of Hibernian, Celtic 12's and Donside Juveniles - who had won the cup last year. However, they saw off all comers and took their place in the showpiece final.
The match started with some understandable nerves on both sides, given it was the first occasion like this for both sets of players. However as the minutes ticked away the football started to flow and the players started to show what they were capable of.
The first half chance of the game saw Hamilton captain Abigail Tobin test Abbie Fearns, but the Celtic keeper was equal to it. Rebecca Brady then drilled an excellent ball into the penalty box, but the onrushing Celtic forwards just failed to get the vital touch.
It appeared as though the half would end on level terms, however Accies had other ideas. The pushed for the opening goal and with just a couple of minutes left on the clock made the breakthrough. A cross into the box was cleared by Celtic, but only as far as Morven McLellan. With all the composure of a player beyond her years, she opened up her right foot and placed the ball in the right hand corner. The half-time whistle blew shortly afterwards and the teams headed back to the changing rooms with all to play for.
It appeared as though the half would end on level terms, however Accies had other ideas. The pushed for the opening goal and with just a couple of minutes left on the clock made the breakthrough. A cross into the box was cleared by Celtic, but only as far as Morven McLellan. With all the composure of a player beyond her years, she opened up her right foot and placed the ball in the right hand corner. The half-time whistle blew shortly afterwards and the teams headed back to the changing rooms with all to play for.
