Cove Rangers v FC Kilmarnock

Last seasons treble winners FC Kilmarnock kicked off the new season with a comfortable victory away to Cove Rangers on Sunday in the new Women's SPL. With much of the pre-season preparation looking towards the challenge of representing Scotland in the UEFA Women's Champions League, it was essential that the Killie girls got a confident start to the new domestic season – and that they did!

Kilmarnock lost two of last seasons squad players to America, however have brought in a quality defender in Scotland’s Shelley Kerr and still look to have a strong squad.

(Joanne Love in action)

The home team, Cove Rangers started the game well and looked hungrier over the first 5 minutes, however failed to test Claire Johnstone in goals. As the game moved on the visitors began to take control of the game and after a good spell of possession took the lead with a tremendous strike from midfielder Lesley Fowler after 12 minutes. This settled the champions down and the first half seen them take a 3-0 lead with additional goals from Jo Love, and Debbie Hegarty.

The second half continued in much the same way and despite the home team working hard to compete, Kilmarnock simply looked the better side and was only a matter of time until they added to there score. Compliments of a goalmouth scramble in which Tracy Burns pounced to volley the ball over the line to make it 4-0 and the final goal produced an excellent team move – similar to many of the fine goals which the team had produced last season. A move involving some slick one touch play ended in a simple tap in for Bev McLaughlan who had worked tirelessly all game.

Next week the girls again travel up North to play Lossiemouth in the league.

Fixtures & Results  -  League Table - Squad Information