In a thrilling semi final match played at Ochilview, Stenhousemuir it was Forth Valley who won through to contest the final of the first ever SSFA Senior Girls’ National Trophy - the inter association competition introduced this season.
The ten goal thriller saw the lead change a number of times before Forth Valley ran out 6-4 winners. This means that for the first time ever Forth Valley will contend the Senior National Trophy in both boys senior and girls senior events.
Forth Valley got off to the best possible start with a goal in their first attack. Elisha Duff ( St Modan’s HS) made a great run down the left and scored from 12 yards out.
P&D keeper Kirsty Downs made a couple of great saves to prevent Forth Valley adding to their lead and her team responded with three goals in quick succession to grab a significant lead.
Sarah Petherick scored a quick fire hat trick to take P&D 3-1 ahead after only 16 minutes.
Forth Valley rallied but found keeper Downs in great form.
They did grab a vital goal in the last minute of the first half when Olivia Chomczuk ( Braes HS) scored with a shot that hit the bar and post before just crossing the line. The referee, Gavin Young, in perfect position on the touchline awarded the goal
HT 2 – 3.
Looking to come back in the second half Forth Valley were struck a serious blow in the first minute. A short pass back presented Leah Logan with a chance which she took to give her side a 4 – 2 lead.
However, Forth Valley showed both great fitness and great character in setting out to get back in the game.
Sophie Timlin ( Wallace HS) curled a lovely shot in from 20 yards out and soon after Bailey Black ( Falkirk HS) netted a fourth and crucial equalising goal for Forth Valley to bring the semi final tie level.
The wind now in their sails it was Forth Valley who pushed for another goal to take them into the lead. It was May Cruft ( Dunblane HS) who not only scored the goal to put her team in the lead but indeed the same player scored an almost identical goal from just inside the box a minute later to put her side two goals ahead.
Full time arrived minutes later with Forth Valley holding a 6-4 lead to win a place in the final.
A date and venue for the final against Dundee Schools’ FA is still to be arranged.
The boys final has been arranged and will see Forth Valley meet Ayrshire SFA as they attempt to retain the trophy they won last season.
That game takes place at Ochilview, Stenhousemuir with a 7.00 pm kick off on Tuesday 30th May.
Entry to the game will be £5.00 and £3.00.
