Simpson is vital spark for Giffnock in top clash

It was a close affair throughout, Western deservedly held the lead on three occasions, but, in the end, a combination of defensive frailties and missed chances, including a last-minute penalty by Catriona Ralph, gave a plucky Giffnock side the edge.

Western started the more positive side and took an early lead when international striker Holly Cram scooped the ball home .But back came Giffnock, a slack pass out of the Western defence was picked up by Simpson and her cross was tapped home by Lynn Owen for the equaliser.

Western had their noses in front at the interval thanks to a goal from Nicola Pitticas.

Immediately after the break Giffnock made it 2-2. again the Western defence failed to clear the danger, the ball fell to Simpson who drove a fierce low shot past Amy Gibson. Western took the lead for the third time at a penalty corner when Catriona Ralph’s shot went in off the pads of Giffnock keeper Lauren Grant. Within two minutes the home side were again back on level terms thanks to Jaclyn Fortune. This set up a dramatic finale, Giffnock created the opening up the right, the first shot was blocked by Amy Gibson but Simpson followed up to volley the ball into the back of the net to put her side ahead for the first time in the match.

League leaders Grove Menzieshill confirmed their pole position with a eight-goal romp over Grange. The heroine was Scotland captain Linda Clement with four.

VWS Dundee Wanderers kept their second spot with a 5-1 win over bottom side CALA Edinburgh.

Edinburgh University lifted the East district gloom with a 6-1 whipping of GHK, and yesterday Edinburgh put up a brave fight against Western only to go down 2-0 at the end,

In the final fixture Western Wildcats continued their improvement with a 2-2 draw away to Glynhill Kelburne.