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Stirling University have claimed their first silverware in senior football after beating Renfrew Ladies 4-2 in the final of the ScottishPower National League Cup.
The university side join previous winners Dryburgh Athletic, Edinburgh FC and Rossvale in adding their name to the trophy, previously known as the Championship and League One Cup, which represents the league cup for teams playing in SWF’s national leagues.
Renfrew, too, were looking for their first trophy, and set up to defend with imposing physicality. While Stirling enjoyed more possession in the early exchanges, Becky Downs and Sammyjo Smith provided a focus up front to keep the Stirling defence on their toes on the counter.
Stirling were quick with their passing though, with the pace and skill of Tanaka Chitengu allowing her to create opportunities. A missed defensive header allowed Megan Querns in on Stirling’s right, and she tested Niamh Miller in the Renfrew goal after thirteen minutes.
Morgan Graham, solid and consistent in Renfrew’s defence, was reading the Stirling runs well, but as the game clock approached 30 minutes Stirling University were awarded a penalty with a clear trip on Chitengu, and Stirling University’s captain Ann Taylor ignored the panto-style boos from the Renfrew fans to calmly convert for the opener.
The rest of the half was a fairly even contest. Just before half-time a 50-50 challenge left Renfrew’s Kirsty McGunnigle with a facial injury, but fans were relieved when she came back on for the second half. Taylor was also forced off early in the second half but recovered to play on.
Both sides struggled to convert from set plays before Rhianne Ferguson nodded in a corner just after the hour mark to double Stirling’s lead.
Renfrew continued to try and exert some pressure by breaking Stirling’s rhythm where they could. SammyJo Smith shot just wide after a clever cross from substitute Keira Heppenstall, but chances on goal were limited.
Kaitlyn Cook grabbed Stirling’s third with fifteen minutes to go with a clean finish into the top corner.
Renfrew threw on veteran striker Claire Rae, known for taking chances from distance, but it would be Sinead Macleod that would pull one back after Stirling keeper Regan Ott had given away a corner which was well placed by Smith from the left.
Stirling were trying to manage the remaining time, Regan Ott composed dealing with crosses and free kicks. At the other end, Cook replied with Stirling’s fourth on 86 minutes with a strike from close to the left side touchline after a neat one-two with Olivia McHarg.
But Renfrew were not happy to settle, and deep into injury time they were awarded a free kick on the right-hand side which Macleod delivered with precision onto the head of Morgan Graham, who bulleted it into the net.
The Renfrew fans showed their appreciation at their team’s efforts at the final whistle, while Stirling celebrated their first trophy.
Speaking to the live stream afterwards, Ott described the game as a “great battle” between the sides.
“The work we have put in has really paid off over the season,” she said.
