Elgin City Ladies 5 Arbroath 2: Three penalties as City run out comfortable winners

By Jonathan Clark

Published: 16:56, 08 November 2023

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ELGIN City Ladies picked up their second victory of the SWFL North league campaign on Sunday after a chaotic seven-goal game which saw three penalties awarded.

Goals from Jess Moore had City 2-0 up at the break at The Gleaner Arena, with goalkeeper Maizy McAfee's penalty save right on the brink of half-time also proving crucial.

Elgin City forward Jess Moore celebrates opening the scoring...Elgin City FC Women (5) vs Arbroath FC Women (2) - SWFL North League 23/24 - Gleaner Arena, Elgin 05/11/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Elgin goalkeeper Maizy Mcafee celebrates with her team mates after she saved a first half penalty...Elgin City FC Women (5) vs Arbroath FC Women (2) - SWFL North League 23/24 - Gleaner Arena, Elgin 05/11/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

The seemed to beyond Arbroath within 10 minutes of the second half starting thanks to a Josie Mitchell goal and Lily Morrison's penalty – but the visitors pulled two goals back around the hour mark.

Hayley Ross got in on the act late on, adding a fifth goal to seal the three points.

Elgin City defender Josie Mitchell clears the ball up the park...Elgin City FC Women (5) vs Arbroath FC Women (2) - SWFL North League 23/24 - Gleaner Arena, Elgin 05/11/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Elgin City celebrate Hayley Ross' goal. ..Elgin City FC Women (5) vs Arbroath FC Women (2) - SWFL North League 23/24 - Gleaner Arena, Elgin 05/11/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Manager Mo Morrison was pleased with his side's defensive efforts – an area which he has pinpointed as a slight weakness this season.

"The goals scored are pleasing, but we have not been having issues scoring goals," he said. "Our issue has been at the other end where we have been lackadaisical. Teams aren't have to work hard to score.

"Both goals we conceded were from set pieces, but from open play we defended well. We have been working on that in the past few weeks and obviously it has helped.

Elgin City manager Mo Morrison protests the first half penalty decision...Elgin City FC Women (5) vs Arbroath FC Women (2) - SWFL North League 23/24 - Gleaner Arena, Elgin 05/11/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

"The way we defended was the most pleasing based on what we have been conceding."

City have only played three league matches this campaign, with a number of postponements, free weeks and cup games. Two of those matches have ended in victory.

They are now set to play three matches in a seven-day period – starting with Inverurie at home on Sunday, before a midweek trip to Huntly and then Grampian away next weekend.

Elgin City's Lily Morrison scores a second half penalty for the home side. ..Elgin City FC Women (5) vs Arbroath FC Women (2) - SWFL North League 23/24 - Gleaner Arena, Elgin 05/11/2023...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

"We have struggled for games for various reasons with free weeks and the weather," he said. "We were due to have a free week but I pulled forward a game to fill the void because we have been lacking in game time.

"We have the winter break soon, so hopefully we can go into the break on a high. We are still in the mix for the league, we have only played three games, so there is still plenty to play for.

"We have still got what it takes. We have a good squad that we are looking to add to. We have got it in our own hands."