Scottish League Cup Semi-Final
Caley Thistle Ladies 8 Falkirk 2
Caley Thistle's women created a piece of history last weekend when they demolished first division Falkirk to become the first second division team to reach the Scottish League cup final. Both teams met at the Civil Service Sports Fields in Rosyth.
The Highland side started brightly and took the lead in the third minute when Karen Mason headed a Lorraine Cadden corner to Leanne Calder who netted from close range. Falkirk equalized on eight minutes before Caley Thistle regained the lead when Leanne Calder hammered home another inch perfect Cadden cross on the half volley.
Falkirk just couldn't cope with the pace of Cadden on the right wing and on the fifteen minute mark she again outstripped the defence and crossed for Eilidh Mackay to make it 3-1. As the onslaught continued Fiona Cuthbert made it four when she took advantage of a fine dummy from Karen Mason before Leanne Calder chased a long through ball and rounded the keeper to complete a fine hat trick.
Five minutes from halftime Caley Thistle scored the goal of the game when another well-flighted Cadden corner was met by the inrushing Kim Jappy who dived full length to bullet an unstoppable header into the roof of the net. That goal brought the first half to an end in which Caley Thistle played some quality football.
To their credit Falkirk came out fighting in the second half and reduced the deficit with 25minutes remaining and Angie Campbell then produced some fine saves before Caley Thistle weathered the storm and further goals from player of the match Lorraine Cadden and Eilidh Mackay completed the scoring.
A delighted team coach Sandy Corcoran said, “I'm absolutely delighted with the way the girls went about this victory, to become the first second division team to reach a national cup final is testament to the attitude and effort of the whole team.” He added “We have one of the youngest squads in senior women's football and although promotion is our main aim, a cup final spot is an added bonus and the girls deserve tremendous credit for knocking out three first division sides en route to the final.”
The women return to League business this Sunday, 12th December 2004, when they entertain East Kilbride at the Bught Park with a 2pm kick off. All Supporters welcome.