Bayside 5 Monifieth Fire 4
Monifieth Fire under 13’s had an early start on Saturday and took a depleted squad to Dunfermline to face Bayside.
With Chloe, Cara and Katie unable to travel, Fire had only eight players to choose from and this would turn out to be significant in the final analysis.
The Fire opened brightly and created chances but were profligate in front of goal in the first half. Leia was unlucky not to hit the target twice during this period with two long range shots. Kyna did manage to get on the score sheet in the first half but our opponents managed to score twice and went in at half time leading 2-1.
The game had flowed from end to end in the first half but if anything the intensity increased in the second.
Kyna managed to equalise but Bayside scored a third and then a forth.
The coaches thought it might be all over as Bayside were able to introduce several substitutes in the second half but our girls are a different proposition from last year and summoned yet more effort. Kyna snatched a third goal after Catlin, making her debut, found her with a through ball and the game was very much back on.
Everything changed however in a short period which summed up our girls luck. The fire forced a corner and Catlin shot toward goal. Somehow Bayside’s keeper managed to turn the shot onto the post and the ball was scrambled clear.
Worse was to follow as a through ball evaded the defence, Hollie ran out to clear but her clearance hit the onrushing striker and flew into the net.
Unbelievably, even this wasn’t enough to extinguish The Fire as Kyna scored a forth as the game raged on.
Despite a numerical advantage Bayside ended the game hanging on and a great block by one of their defenders in the last seconds denied Catlin a debut goal.
It was impossible to criticise the girls for effort, but we must praise our opponents for their good football and hospitality and we hope to see them again in the future.