Elgin City Football Club Girls and Moray Girls Football Club have agreed to merge together to create a strong sustainable ‘one club’ status in the Moray area with a larger vision. The aim is to make this a community club for all females in the area. A club where they can enjoy developing their skills, meeting new friends and competing against other clubs across the country.

This will provide a full player pathway offering football to females from as young as 6 years old right up to the adult game. The club will continue to develop links with Active Schools, Moray Council Sports Development and the SFA Club Development Officer for Girls’/Women’s Football to increase participation and volunteers.

The current structure starts with a development squad for young players to develop their skills and ability before stepping up to the youth teams at Under 13, 15 and 17 levels, followed by the Ladies team. The youth teams participate in the Scottish Women’s North Football League and the Ladies are currently in the Scottish Women’s Football Second Division.

By season 2013, both organisations will have fully merged and be known as Elgin City Football Club Girl’s & Women’s Football for the season starting in March.

The Clubs are looking to recruit more players at all age levels and are also looking for more volunteers to become involved in the game. Both clubs will be organising a meeting shortly to form a new committee and to discuss future developments. We will be encouraging as many players, parents, members or supporters to come along to this meeting.

If you would like to discuss any aspect regarding this merger or girls football in general please contact the persons below, as they will be happy to answer any queries.

Robbie Hope –Elgin City Girls
Tel: (01343) 551114
Email: community@elgincity.com
www.facebook.com/elgincitygirlsfootballteams
Website: http://www.elgincitycommunityfootball.co.uk/club/Home
Lorna Young – Moray Girls
Email: young_ten@hotmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moray-Girls-Ladies-FC/197307850280096
Twitter @moraygirlsfc
Website: www.moraygirlsfootballclub.co.uk

Next Home game is Sunday 17th June against Kemany Ladies at Pinefield, Elgin at 2pm.

Please come down and show your support for the ladies.

This match was the reason I endured the 450 mile round trip to the town of Elgin, a place that I had never visited previously. The conditions ahead of kick off at Pinefields were excellent and a warm welcome was extended to me by Moray player-coach Lorna Young. I was introduced to a few of the girls and coach Ronnie ahead of the game and I was set for my first women’s game in the North Region.

The game began very much as expected with most of the action coming at the visitors’ end of the park. Moray are currently flying high at the top of the league and Turriff holding up the others at the bottom, so I assumed it would be very much one way traffic and an embarrassing amount of goals. However, I was assured that Moray were not that type of club and there would be no humiliation of the opposition.

During the opening minutes Moray squandered a fair amount of chances due to good goalkeeping by stand-in keeper Vikki McIntee or the finishing too direct at the keeper as Lorna Young and Emma Thomas attempted to find an early goal. Tammy Harkin was creating numerous chances from the left as was Rebecca Scott on the opposite wing but still the winner was keeper McIntee.

Harkin delivered a lovely corner, which was met by the head of Kirstin Merricks; the ball travelling narrowly past the stanchion.

Thomas picked up the ball 30 yards out and played a sublime pass for Young, who was again thwarted by the keeper as she bore down on her one on one.

The pressure continued as Christa Rodgers joined the attack along with Thomas and Young. The latter again shooting too close to McIntee. Young almost scored from a clever lob but the young keeper back tracked just in time to prevent the ball nipping under the bar.

Of course when you are under the cosh the way Turriff were, it was only a matter of time before the goal arrived. Harkin breaking on the left, crossing deep from the corner flag to the back post where Thomas volleyed into the net from three yards or so. A lovely goal from the team in green and worth the wait.

The opening took 19 minutes to materialise but we had only two minutes to wait on the next. A mistake at the back by Ashleigh Clark allowed Lorna Young through on goal, pursued by Heather Montgomery. However, Young would retain her composure and slip the ball beyond the advancing keeper to double Moray’s lead.

Harkin again drove down the left flank, skipping beyond the pacey Montgomery but Clark made up for her previous error, with a fantastic tackle to prevent Harkin’s cross.

Young made it three with what at first appeared to be a superb piece of skill as she lobbed the keeper from the right; the ball dropping in to the far top corner. The player-coach however admitted it was not intentional and had intended to cross the ball close to the keeper for someone to get on the end of it. Nevertheless, it was three goals to nil after 25 minutes.

The fourth was scored by Emma Thomas, who fired home from 17 yards, giving McIntee no chance whatsoever of stopping her volley.

Young turned creator as she worked a clever one – two with Harkin, who made it five – nil, slotting the ball into the corner of the net.

Despite Turriff being hemmed in for much of this first half, there were strong signs that they had some very useful players in their side. When given the chance, they passed the ball around well. As individuals, many could have slotted into the Moray side. What they lacked was quickness of thinking on the ball and they also require more time to gel as a team. This is the first season but I am sure, if they can keep their heads up, and work hard, they have the basis of a very good side.

The back three of Moray were mopping up things at the back as United began to find ways through on occasion. Leanne Cowie had to act fast to prevent Chelsea Page from pulling one back, the defender stopping the winger as she entered the box.

True to their word, Moray began passing the ball around from the back rather than going all out on the attack. This of course gave the visitors some respite from the onslaught of Young and Thomas and when Harkin dropped deep into midfield, this allowed Montgomery to step forward and assist the United midfield. Page too was liberated, and began showing she was a young winger with a lot of skill and pace.

Half-Time: Moray 5 Turriff 0

United were being presented with the opportunity to play their own game, thanks to the sportsmanship of the Elgin club. A mistake at the back allowed Savannah Gray a chance to shoot at keeper Sarah Stephens for the first time in the match. Her 22 yard effort had plenty of power and direction but didn’t trouble Stephens, as the keeper was perfectly positioned to deal.

We were treated to a wonderful move started by Merricks in midfield as she waited to ensure everyone was onside before releasing a defence splitting pass that put Thomas into the right side of the box. She could have gone for her hat-trick but unselfishly, squared the ball to Young, to offer her the chance of her third but alas, the shot was just off target. What a great advert for the game of football this side is. A joy to watch but willing to play not only as a team but as friends even at the cost of not getting your own hat-trick.

Harkin played a neat pass through for Rodgers but just as she was about to pull the trigger, Clark took the ball of her toe with some excellent defensive work.

Harkin whipped in a deep corner which was driven in low against the post by Nicola Wilson. Harkin then tried for goal herself with a 19 yard left footed shot, bringing out a fine stop by McIntee.

Kim Goodchild provided the ball from the left for Sian Hughes to tap in beyond McIntee as Moray made it six. Simplicity at its best.

Hughes was then denied by Clark, who was having a superb second half in the centre of the Turriff defence. Again a last second block from the number five to deny substitute Hughes.

She would not be denied for long however, scoring number seven as she found herself one on one with McIntee to pass the ball beyond the reach of the keeper.

Moray began to ease up again, electing to pass the ball around, working on their own ball skills. Turriff were thankful for the break and in fact came to life. Youngster Chelsea Page coming into the fray with some brilliant runs up the left, resulting in a number of shots at Stephens.

Gray too displayed excellent footwork as she nipped between two defenders to fire in a good shot, which had Stephens scrambling across her line to collect. Gray hit a diagonal ball from a free-kick from left to right. It was picked up by Page, who proceeded to hit a stinging shot from 25 yards, which was just too close to the keeper. Brilliant football again from the visitors.

Finally Turriff did what everyone in the attendance wanted them too – they scored. A corner from the left, which wasn’t dealt with and with the ball bobbling around inside the six yard area, Chelsea Page tapped in to give the newcomers a consolation goal. The girls took great pleasure from that one it has to be said.

They almost scored again as a free-kick from Nicole Clark found its way to Holly Ronald but her 12 yard effort was too close to keeper Stephens. Still we were seeing signs of a team beginning to enjoy their football, getting forward, and entertaining us too.

The final shot on target came from Ashleigh Clark – a brave but ambitious 30 yard drive, concluding its journey in the arms of Stephens.

Hats off to both teams for providing a thoroughly entertaining match. Yes one side was more accomplished than the other but the sportsmanship of Moray had to be seen to be believed. Not only did they refuse to humiliate an up and coming team, they were actually coaching their opponents, offering advise on the field of play. This was opposition players, aiding the development of the visiting side, something I have never witnessed before. Wonderful to observe and I know from speaking to some of the Turriff girls, it was truly appreciated. They praised their hosts in post-match chats at the hospitality kindly provided by Elgin City Social Club.

Player of the Match: You know, there were so many girls on the park today, that were worthy of an award of some kind or another. I have rarely felt this after any match I have covered. It is often dangerous ground when you start mentioning every player as you are likely to miss someone. However, for the benefit of a new club, trying to finds its way and with the encouragement offered today from their opponents, I feel it has to be undertaken.

If we take the visitors for instance, it would be hard not to commend Montgomery, Clark, Rodgers and Barnes for sticking faithfully to their task, despite a constant barrage of assaults on their defensive line. Their heads never dropped and continued to give 100%.

Chalmers and Cooper, whose persistence as they tried to win the ball and support from back to front deserves praise and of course McIntee for a brave display in goals, acting as the understudy for the missing keeper on the day. Poor Alex Laurie often exposed up front, could do little to alleviate the the pressure her defence was enduring.

Their two stars on the day though were Savannah Gray and Chelsea Page. Two classy players who were a joy to watch.

For Moray – where do you start? Stephens in goal, was rarely tested but when called upon was rock solid. The back three were never under great pressure but coped well too, whenever required. The midfield were phenomenal, Christa Rodgers, Rebecca Scott, Tammy Harkin and Nicola Wilson, will carve apart many defences with the greatest of ease. The twin strikers in Emma Thomas and my player of the match Lorna Young, were a joy to behold, working as partners, never any sign of greed on the ball and classy too. And a word for Sian Hughes who came off the bench and scored a brace – well done Sian.

I know I haven’t covered everyone but every player who put foot on the pitch on Sunday, gave their all or showed skill and compassion.

It was a pleasure to be in the the company of two great clubs – till next time – enjoy your football and I will be paying particular attention to Turriff, especially next season.

Moray: Stephens, Merricks, Goodchild, Cowie, L. Rodgers, P. Rodgers, Scott, Harkin, Thomas, Young, Wilson Subs: Eadie, Dobinson, Slessor, Hughes, Hambly, Lapington

Turriff: McIntee, Montgomery, Rodger, Barnes, A. Clark, Chalmers, Cooper, Gray, Roy, Laurie, Page Subs: N. Clark, Ronald, McLennan

See Photos https://picasaweb.google.com/104163571830755058530/MorayVTurriffUtd?authuser=0&feat=directlink&gsessionid=1dl-BEVYCGsyo1jpCC6I1A#

The Moray girls were on top from the start and pressed their hosts back with Anderson and Young managing to steal the ball from the kick-off, launching an attack that eventually ended in a goal kick.

It set the pattern however, as Buchan played a high line looking to catch their visitors offside.  The folly in that was soon exposed when Tammy Harkin latched onto a through ball to lob over the advancing goalkeeper and put Moray in front.

Much of the Moray play was down the right flank through Rebecca Scott, her hard work delivering quality crosses.  One forced a corner from which Nicola Wilson made a great front-post run to head into the net.  Another cross minutes later was met by Young to make it three nil in favour of Moray.

The hosts got their game together and started posting a few questions of Moray’s back-line of Merricks, Cowie and Goodchild, and were eventually rewarded when they cut the deficit to two – but back came Moray and seconds later Harkin scored again to take her side into the break with a three goal advantage restored.

Seconds after the restart it was 1-5, Harkin playing the ball wide for Wilson to break through and score with a superb strike into the top corner.  Harkin then found space herself to score in similar fashion and put Moray five in front.

Anderson came close to adding to the scoring but was unfortunate when the home goalkeeper pulled off a stunning save, but soon after good build-up play allowed Young free on goal again to make it seven for Moray.

Buchan pulled another goal back but the general direction continued towards the home goal and Wilson soon had a hat-trick to add to that of Harkin, netting from close in.  With even Moray goalkeeper Hambly having a run as an outfield player the dominance for Moray was complete, underlined when Harkin crossed to a packed area – the ball evaded everyone and ended in the net to complete the 2-9 victory.

The Score line isn’t a true reflection of the quality the Buchan youngster have in their team and with some experience in this league they will gron and be a side to watch out for. Credit to Buchan’s young centre half and two strikers for their good performance.

Moray were missing one of their coaches Ronnie Taylor and a number of players but would like to thank Kim Lapington for stepping in at such short notice. Moray player of the match – Nicola Wilson with her hard work, and hat-trick from left midfield.

Stonehaven started the second half better and goal a goal back from a corner which would go down as an own goal by the Moray keeper. Moray kept pressing with Christa Rodgers impressive in midfield but it took another fine save by Stephen to stop Stonehaven again.  But after 64minutes Harkin’s linked with Wilson before cutting the ball back for Lynne Anderson to score. A Harkin’s corner was then headed just over by Kirsten Merricks.  Anderson then shot straight at the keeper when a cut back to Young may have been a better option.  Becca Scott then weaved past two defenders before picking out Dobinson who instead of shooting first time took a couple of touches and the chance had gone. With 5 minutes left Stonehaven broke up field and a cross found the striker free 10 yards out and she finished well into the top corner.

A deserved win for Moray though it could have been a lot more. A first half performance that was a joy to watch, with Christa Rodgers back to her best, Moray’s player of the match.

The second half didn’t start any better for Moray and Dee Vale kept pushing forward without getting any clear chances thanks to Kim Goodchild and Leanne Cowie. Moray almost got level when Harkin’s shot from 30 yards brought a fantastic save from the Dee Vale keeper. Moray were then caught out by a long through ball that saw the Dee Vale striker finish from 16 yards. Moray fail to take the chances with Lynn Anderson firing just wide, Harkin’s then hit the post from a corner, Wilson then fired just wide, and Eadie broke through only to fire straight at the keeper. Anderson then saw another effort blocked but it was all to late for Moray who took 75minutes to get going. Moray had too many players off the pace. Moray will be looking to pick themselves up for the visit of Stonehaven next match.

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Moray should have went in front in 1^st minute when the defenders slip left Emma Thomas through on goal but a heavy touch saw the chance lost. Moray did take the lead in 3minutes when Hannah Slessor played a great through ball for Tammy Harkin to run on and round the keeper and finish.

Dee ladies then forced a few corners that Moray found hard to deal with. A bad tackle 10 yards inside the Dee half led to Moray’s 2^nd goal, Young was breaking forward when taken out with a tackle from behind. Harkin’s took the free kick and found the corner.  5 minutes later Amanda Dobinson’s fine run and finish put Moray 3 up.  And when Harkin’s let fly from 30 yards the home keeper could only parry the ball out and Dobinson followed up to finish. Harkin’s was then put through only to be given offside even with 2 defenders playing her onside.  Half time 0-4

The second half started slowly until after 60minutes Dee were awarded a penalty for a handball by Merricks which the striker scored with ease. They then hit the post with a free kick. Back came Moray and when Dobinson burst past 2 defenders in the box she fired into the top corner for her hattrick.  Lorna Young was next on the score sheet when twisting and turning past defenders before passing the ball into the net.  The Dee keeper brought of a couple of fine saves from Harkin and Dobinson to keep the score down but when Moray were awarded a free kick 30 yards out she fumbled Young’s strike over her line despite Dobinson making sure, it was Young’s goal.

A fine performance by Moray despite the poor playing conditions and a few injuries in the squad which saw Sian Hughes step up from under 17s.  Player of the match Lauren Eadie for a fine performance in a different position for her.

The club would like to congratulate Tammy Harkin on her sponsored Triathlon on Friday 30^th March which saw all money raised go sport relief.