Brett Forrest Match Report - Penicuik Athletic

Edinburgh South recorded an important 5-0 win at Penicuik Athletic on Sunday to keep their title hopes alive with just two games SWFL East season remaining. In winning their game in hand, a fixture postponed from the depths of winters, South drew themselves within a single point of leaders Glenrothes Strollers – who they face in Fife on the final weekend of the campaign.

In what could have been a potentially tricky tie owing to a poor pitch and a few key players out, South got the job done despite an uneasy first half, with their quality shining through in the end.

Attacking uphill, the first half was physical, scrappy and difficult but after Eilidh Buchanan played through Mia Brotherston who accelerated beyond the defence and slotted past the keeper, South took the advantage and never really looked like relinquishing it for the remainder of the game.

But with the score at 1-0 at half time, the lead was still precarious. A goal four minutes into the second half, however, settled nerves as Buchanan headed in a corner. Whilst Penicuik had a couple of half chances, the match was put to bed thanks to a Lucy Wardlaw goal. She soon found her herself with her second of the match after scoring from a corner and South rounded of their professional performance when Anna Hume tapped in her first goal for the club after Mia’s initial shot was parried. The cherry on top was that Hume’ goal now means every outfield player signed for Edinburgh South this season has now scored.

South demonstrated a great mentality, particularly after half time, to go out and get the job done in a game where the importance cannot be understated. With a clean sheet to boot, that is now six games on the bounce that South have gone without conceding. That solid defensive structure, combined with their perpetual attacking threat, are hallmarks of champions. All eyes will be on the final home game of the season against Danderhall next week to send the girls off on a high ahead of the trip to Glenrothes the following week.