2-0: Girls U18s vs Watsonians U18s (U18 Scottish Cup) - 28/10/22

Hillhead’s girls U18s ventured east for a late night push back against Watsonians U18s in their first ever appearance in the U18 Scottish Cup Final.

The cup run has been eventful. The first stage was a round robin competition which saw the U18 girls defeat Edinburgh HC 5-1 with two goals from Phoebe Haldane being a highlight, then coming out victorious against local rivals GHK 3-1 - Mhairi Low this time finding the net twice, before finally seeing off Perthshire 3-0.

Onwards to the semi final. This time the team set off for Galashiels to face off against Fjordhus Reivers HC. The game finished 2-2 and then we were on to running penalties! The girls held their nerve and saw the game out 5-4 to set up a clash in the final with Watsonians.

The game got off to a nervy start with Watsonians taking the early initiative by winning two corners. However, these were both kept out by the Hillhead defence. The Hillhead girls built into the game, although early chances on the counter were spurned but the confidence that goals would come was there.

It would take until just before halftime before the deadlock was broken, Maria Murio-Fernandez reacted fastest at the breakdown of a corner and scrambled the ball into the net at the back post.

Game on. The touch paper was lit.

The pace of the game reached another level as each team pushed for a goal to control the momentum of the game. Watsonians were able to build a period of pressure in the third quarter but to no avail. Hillhead created a number of chances on the breakaway as the Watsonians defence opened up as they pushed forward out of position. Hillhead were able to utilise Captain Ava Wadsworth’s aerial ball to relieve pressure at key moments. Next came a period of consistent pressure for Hillhead high up the pitch winning a succession of long corners and penalty corners.

Hillhead goalkeeper Lucy Harris came off best in a crucial one v one with a few minutes remaining before a late goal from Milly Hardie sealed victory for the West End side.

Congratulations to all the girls involved for a cracking cup run, and bringing home the cup for the first time. Thanks to Eilidh Westwood and Andrew Hilton for coaching the team throughout the event, Jenny Sinclair for umpiring the round robin and semifinal, and to all the spectators for making Friday night an evening to remember!