U17s: Hamilton 4 - East Fife Ladies 5

The 17s welcomed their Fife friends to Hamilton for a mid-season goalfest friendly which sparked into life late in the second half. 

The game began at a quick pace and Accies brightest spark in attack, Hannah Preston, saw her hard work rewarded as she created an opportunity for herself which she coolly slotted into the top corner. 

East Fife hit back just before the break when a long ball over the top caught out the Accies back four and was well finished off by the Fife Forward. 

Accies used this match to try players in a range of positions in preparation for the challenges ahead, however this was always going to be tough against an East Fife side who are on course to challenge for 1st division senior football in 2013. 

Having been knocked out the Scottish Cup at the hands of Accies reserves East Fife were keen not to leave Hamilton disappointed a second time. Their experience was beginning to tell and they were creating chances all too easily for the Accies bench's liking. 

East Fife's pressure duly paid off, however the goals Accies conceded were certainly avoidable. They soon found themselves 5-1 behind as heads began to drop.  Accies made their final changes in the last 20 minutes and they had an impact as Hannah O'Keane, now playing further up the pitch, placed her effort well beyond the keepers reach to give the side a much needed lift. 

Moments later a fantastic through ball from Deborah McLeod allowed Jodie Brannan to show what she can offer in attack as she coolly slotted her effort into the net. Accies were now cutting the East Fife rearguard open at will and a super run through the heart of the East Fife defence by Stephanie Thomson brought the deficit to just one. East Fife hung on for the win in an enthralling match despite Hannah Okeane striking the cross-bar late on.

Accies manager Jim Erwin summed up the fantastic spirit shown from the players;

'It was key to get the girls back on the pitch today and blow away the cobwebs; and there were certainly many to blow away. We need to be better defensively and certainly more mentally and physically tougher against opposition who offer what East Fife did. Some girls did themselves more justice than others, but today was geared towards finding out about players and changes to positions as we prepare for the second half of the season.  We will go and enjoy our tournament next week and wish the girls in the CYP Scotland Squad the very best of luck on Sunday."