Under-15 girls enjoy another 4-0 rout over England at Lloyds TSB Cup

FOOTBALL: Scotland’s under-15 side hammered England 4-0 in the Bob Docherty Tournament in Dublin early in the month and the talented bunch of girls were at it again in the Lloyds TSB Cup at Toryglen in Glasgow.

Cheered on by a massive home support, Alyshia Walker (Bathgate Academy) grabbed a hat-trick and Carla Jackson (Dalziel High School)), who scored three of the goals in Dublin, also had her name on the goal sheet in another 4-0 thrashing. Scotland dominated from the start with Hayley Sinclair (James Hamilton Academy) coming close to a first goal when she struck a powerful left-footed shot from 25 yards, but her effort was well saved by the English keeper, Shayla Burgess. After 13 minutes Alyshia colleceted the first of her hat-trick when she blasted the ball past the English keeper.

Scotland’s dominance was rewarded with a second in 24 minutes. Lia Tweedie (Beeslack High School) chased a fantastic reverse pass by Hayley before picking out Alyshia. The West Lothian youngster lashed the ball home for a 2-0 half-time lead. England picked up the pace at the start of the second half but the Scottish defence stayed firm and Hayley had a goal chopped off for off side and Georgie Rafferty (St Maurice’s High School), the Scottish Captain, clipped the bar with a free kick.

Georgie was involved in the third goal, passing to Alyshia, who rammed the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

With three minutes left on the clock, Carla made it 4-0 when she waltzed her way past several defenders before slipping the ball under the goalkeeper.

Billy Henderson, the team manager, described the win as “a superb performance from a young Scotland side”, while Rod Houston, President of the Scottish Schools’ Football Association, was delighted with the successful double header. “I’m so proud of the girls,” he said. “Not only for winning the two matches, but also for the superb way they have represented the Association.”

Eight of the squad are still eligible next season – Courtney Whyte (who has already played for two years), Alyshia Walker (who played last year), Erin Cuthbet, Cailin Michie, Becky Flaherty, Cassie Cowper, Rachel Ross and Amy Lynch.

Meanwhile, Fife will meet Lanarkshire in the final of the Under-15 National Trophy. In the semi-finals, Fife drew 1-1 with Forth Valley before going through 5-4 on penalties, while Lanarkshire ousted Edinburgh 3-1.