City players vote to win the semi final

By Laura Montgomery

Voting day has a special significance for Glasgow City, the women’s football team based at Petershill Park in Springburn. They meet Forfar Farmington in the Premier League Cup semi-final on Thursday 3 May when local elections take place across Scotland.
Having won the trophy two seasons ago, but knocked out at this stage of the competition last year, Assistant City Coach Donald Jennow knows his side need to keep their focus to progress against a talented and committed Forfar side.
He said: ‘On Thursday we will take on Forfar for the second time this season. As is so often the case at City, the big games keep coming. Having just faced Hibs and Celtic, back to back, we have this midweek game against a stubborn Forfar side. It was at this stage last year I tasted defeat for the first time with City and in seasons past the League Cup has proved a bit of a stumbling block for us. ‘We hope to put that right this year. All involved at the club are very keen to progress in the competition but are fully aware of the challenge we will face. Forfar will be a determined side and I’m sure all involved at Forfar will relish the opportunity to compete in the club’s first semi-final. For us, we will rely on our experience to hopefully guide us through to the final. Make no mistake, we do not take any opposition or any competition for granted. We must earn every victory, every point and every trophy we ever want to hold and that is what we aim to do on Thursday.’

UPDATE

Glasgow City defeated Forfar 4-0 on Thursday at Hill of Beith to progress to the final of the SWPL Cup. Goals from Lisa Evans, Leanne Ross, Eilish McSorley and Jane Ross. Full match report elsewhere on website.

Women’s football kicks off for the season

‘We are back in business – the 2012 season has begun,’ says Laura Montgomery reporting on the Glasgow Premier League of women’s football.

Glasgow City got the new 2012 season off with a bang with a resounding 10-0 victory over Kilmarnock in Ayrshire in the first round of the Premier League Cup.

With a number of players out with a virus and nine City players involved in recent international action, Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black had fewer than usual to choose from. As always, the players who did take to the field, did not let City down.

Killie nearly pulled off an instant shock when City’s Lee Alexander was forced to pull off a good save at the feet of the Killie striker to keep her side level after five minutes. That was Killie’s only real chance of the match. City went on to dominate play and possession for the rest of the game.

New signing, Julie Melrose got her own City account off to a great start with a goal on 14 minutes reacting first to a saved Leanne Ross shot, to fire into the back of the net.

Minutes later, City doubled their account when the busy Jo Love scored from a Jane Ross cross. Love then doubled her tally scoring her side’s third goal on 24 minutes after she was put through by Leanne Ross.

On the half hour mark, Jane Ross got her tally underway and three minutes before half time, full back Ciara Barnes linked brilliantly with Jo Love to score a fine team goal. A minute before the break and Melrose found the back of the net again, this time converting a Jane Ross cross from the by-line. The half time score was 0-6

In the second half, City kept the pressure on the home side. Shortly after the whistle got the game underway again, Jane Ross scored a great strike from outside the box. The Scotland and City striker was soon on target again, this time making space for herself inside the box before shooting past the helpless Killie keeper.

Substitute Eilish McSorley scored with a good header from a City corner on 75 minutes and with ten minutes remaining, Leanne Ross tucked another one away to make it 10-0 to the Scottish Champions.

Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said, ‘I am delighted we are through to the next round which is always the main objective. We were on a really heavy pitch today, so I was pleased with how well we moved the ball around. And we scored some really good goals. The fact that we were down to 12 fit players out of our squad of 20 perhaps says it all. But it shows the strength and quality of our squad that the girls who played today, did a really good job. Credit must go to Kilmarnock who never gave up. I felt they worked their socks off for 90 minutes and never made it easy for us.’

 

Full results round up:

First Round Scottish Premier League Cup:

Kilmarnock 0 v 10 Glasgow City: City – Jane Ross (3), Julie Melrose (2), Jo Love (2), Ciara Barnes (1), Leanne Ross (1), Eilish McSorley (1)

Celtic 1 v 0 Hibernian: Celtic – Heather Richards (1).

Rangers 8 v 1 Falkirk: Rangers – Jen Callaghan (4), Alana Marshall (1), Cheryl Gallacher (1), Kirsty McLaughlin (1). Falkirk – Sarah Quilitti (OG), Sinead Goi McLean (1).

Hutchison Vale 1 v 3 Aberdeen: Hutchie – Laura Dunn (1). Aberdeen (tbc)

 

For more details see:

www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk

Twitter: @GlasgowCityFC

Facebook: Glasgowcity Fc

Glasgow City to be crowned Champions on Sunday

by Laura Montgomery

Glasgow City women’s football team will be crowned SWPL Champions this Sunday for the fifth successive season irrespective of their result against Celtic as they kick off at 12pm at Petershill against their Glasgow rivals.

No other team has ever dominated the women’s game in Scotland for so long winning the last 16 home games in the Champions League. In addition, they have an match against Postdam looming.

Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black understands why many would think his players’ focus would be elsewhere. He said: ‘We have had a phenomenal season so far, but as I stress to the players every day, it is not over. We want to maintain our excellent League record and of course we also have a Scottish Cup semi-final on Wednesday, all before we even think of taking on German giants Postdam in the Champions League. Games are coming fast and furious for us just now. Many players are involved in the Scotland games and in our League, Scottish Cup and Champions League commitments. Without doubt, we have suffered due to injuries to key players. But that is why we have a strong squad. The players will be focused on Sunday, irrespective that the League is already won.’
City versus Celtic takes place at Petershill Juniors park on Sunday at 12pm and Sky Sports will be among the many press expected to be in attendance to see City lift the title. 

For more information see website:www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk  or Twitter: @GlasgowCityFC  or Facebook: Glasgowcity Fc

Women footballers net world top status

Scottish Champions, Glasgow City Football Team is through to the last 32 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. They will know on Tuesday who they will play when the draw is made at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
The team qualified when they beat Klaksvik in Serbia 5-0. This ensured that City topped Group 5 with three wins out of three, scoring 17 goals and conceding none. In turn, they became the first Scottish team ever to reach the last 32, knock-out stages of Europe’s most elite club competition.
Said Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black: ‘I am delighted we have gone through and to be honest, we thoroughly deserved it. We can now look forward to a really challenging end to the season. I am proud of the players for all of their hard work and dedication. They deserve to play at the highest level in European football.’
On the day, Glasgow City defender, Rachel Corsie celebrated her 22nd birthday, captaining the team. Goals from Katharina Lindner (2) Leanne Ross, Jo Love and Eilish McSorley ensured City’s place in history.
To fund the next stage of their progression upwards, they will host a Sports Person’s Dinner on Friday 26 August at the Art Club, 185 Bath Street in Glasgow’s city centre. The trip to Serbia alone, cost £15,000. There are a few seats remaining at £40 per person and sponsor spots of £100 are on offer. The beautiful venue, three course meal and first class speakers in Kenny Clarke and Sandy Strang make for an inviting evening. Contact Laura Montgomery, Manager on: chairperson@glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk Eddie will fly out on Tuesday 23 August to Nyon for the draw. His team is now seeded 20th in Europe. The top 16 seeds do not need to qualify and City expect to be drawn against stiff competition. Said Eddie: ‘This gives our girls the chance, once more, to really test themselves against some of the best in the world. Naturally, we’d like to avoid the Germans and the French. And we’d prefer not to face the might of Arsenal who are No.2 seed. But we are under no illusions. We may even be the only completely amateur team still in the competition so no matter who we get, we will need to be at our very, very best.’

City’s home leg will be played on either Wednesday 28 or Thursday 29 September at Petershill Park,  Springburn, Glasgow, their home ground. ‘Not too shabby for an amateur side.’ comments Laura Montgomery Club manager and reporter for all the games.

Jo Love signs for Glasgow City

by Laura Montgomery
Glasgow City are delighted to announce the signing of Scotland midfielder Jo Love.
Previously at Celtic, Jo is City’s second key signing of the pre-season, suggesting some exciting times ahead for the Scottish Champions.
Announcing the signing, City Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said: “Jo put pen to paper today and took part in our match against Chelsea. Everybody knows what a fantastic player she is – 98 Scotland caps for a player not long turned 25, speaks for itself. I am thrilled to have her at the club. We have an outstanding crop of players here and I am more than confident that Jo will blossom at this club and will hopefully help us to pick up more honours along the way.”
Jo, follows ex-team mate, Christie Murray, in the close season move from Celtic to City and has no regrets about leaving her former club. She said, “Like Christie, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Celtic and I have nothing but praise for the club. However, I felt it was time to move on and while it was a very difficult decision, it is most definitely the right one. I have played against City a number of times and everyone can see what a fantastic side they are. I cannot wait to get a number of training sessions under my belt and look forward to the upcoming exciting matches against the English Super League teams.”
www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk

Laura nets a well-deserved award

BY LYNSAY KEOUGH
Women’s football stalwart, Laura Montgomery won a top honour at the McDonald’s / Sunday Mail Grassroots Awards, in partnership with the Scottish FA.
Laura was named Best Volunteer in Women’s/Girl’s Football at the awards ceremony held at Hampden Park on the Thursday 3 February. The awards celebrate the tireless efforts of volunteers who keep football flourishing in communities across Scotland.
Laura co-founded Glasgow City Ladies Football Club in 1998. It has gone on to become the most successful Scottish women’s team, winning the last four Premier League titles in a row and being the first Scottish team to qualify for the Women’s UEFA Champions League.
An unprecedented achievement, Glasgow City Ladies was the only amateur team to get to this stage of the tournament.
Scotland legend and McDonald’s Head of Scottish Football, Kenny Dalglish, praised Laura’s work and encouraged more women and girls to take up the game. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Kenny said: ‘Football in communities is built on the sheer hard work of individuals like Laura. Laura’s dedication over the past 13 years has seen Glasgow City Ladies become the most successful women’s team in the country, and to advance into the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League as an amateur team, is a remarkable achievement which is yet to be matched. As a long-term supporter of grassroots football in Scottish communities, McDonald’s is proud to honour Laura and her team’s achievements.’
Laura added: ‘Winning this award is a wonderful honour. When we founded the club, we never imagined we’d end up winning the Premier League – let alone four times in a row. Alongside playing, I’ve also been responsible for our sponsorship, accounts, marketing and the website. While I always say I’ve got two full time jobs – my day job and my work for Glasgow City – I wouldn’t change a thing.’
The eighth McDonald’s / Sunday Mail Grassroots event covered ten categories including Best Volunteer in Youth Football, Grassroots Community Club and McDonald’s Community Champion Award.
Over the last eight years, McDonald’s has helped to improve football in Scotland, significantly. The scheme has created more than 2,000 new community coaches and 1,800 new football teams. And it has worked with a network of McDonald’s restaurant franchisees to provide kit and equipment to clubs through the club twinning programme.
Last year alone, McDonald’s helped to create over 700 new boys’ and girls’ teams in the local community.
For more information on McDonald’s coaching programme, please go to www.mcdonalds.co.uk

City Ladies boost before Celtic match league decider

 

Glasgow City Ladies FC have received a major financial boost ahead of their championship decider with Celtic Ladies on Sunday October 31.

Tied at the top of this season’s league table, Glasgow City and rivals Celtic have each won all but one of their league games so far this season – the only exception being a draw between the two sides back in May.

Glasgow City lead the table by three points having played a game more and if they win the league it will be their fourth consecutive title, setting a new Scottish record.

Regardless of how things go on the pitch Glasgow City Ladies FC are winners off it as Northgate Managed Services have agreed to sponsor the SWF Premier League champions.

Information and Communication Technology firm Northgate has a Scottish base in Glasgow and is headquartered in Belfast, with more than 1,000 staff providing infrastructure services and ICT specialist managed services.

So the destination of the 2010 SWF Premier League trophy hinges on Sunday’s decider and Glasgow City will take to the field with new sponsors Northgate proudly emblazoned on the sleeves of the team’s home shirts.

City captain Laura Montgomery said: ‘It goes without saying that we are all looking forward to Sunday’s game when we know we will have to be at our very best against a strong Celtic team if we wish to retain the league title.

‘And we’re delighted to welcome Northgate as our latest sponsor. Northgate are top of their game – like ourselves, so the partnership marries well.’

‘This new sponsorship funding has several benefits, the most basic of which is that along with other incomes it will help finance the day-to-day running of the club.’

But Celtic Ladies will be no pushover and have previously beaten Glasgow City en route to their successful league cup final. And lifting silverware already this season gives Celtic reason to be optimistic as vice-captain Jo Love explained.

She said: ‘We are hoping that we can do the business on Sunday, but we won’t be taking anything for granted as Glasgow are a very good team.

‘Winning the league cup was so special for everyone at the club and we want more. Onwards and upwards is our motto.’

The big match kicks off at 4pm on Sunday at Celtic’s Lennoxtown complex.

Glasgow City win again

Glasgow City triumph over the border

By Lorraine Hill

Glasgow City continue to look in good shape for the restart of the women’s football season following an 8-0 win over English Premier side Blackburn Rovers.
After travelling down to Blackburn, City played a full ninety minutes, finishing 6-0.

Women’s football at fever pitch

By Laura Montgomery
It’s Cup fever this weekend as a host of round 2 Unite Scottish Cup matches take place. The pick of the bunch is the only all Premier League clash, involving holders Glasgow City and Edinburgh based, Boroughmuir Thistle.

With the Scotland Under 19 squad away competing in the European Championships, City have three players missing and could have postponed the match, however, with a depth of squad fit and available, boss Peter Caulfield, was happy to play the match.

He said, ‘Every year we end up in a backlog of matches scenario, so we always want to play every game when we can. We have three very talented players missing for the match, but that is why we have a squad pool, and I am more than confident, the team that is selected on Sunday, will give their very best.’

Three times prior winners and twice runners-up, City have a pretty decent history in the Scottish Cup and whatever side takes to the field on Sunday, as current Champions, they will be strong favourites to progress to the next round.

Elsewhere a number of lower divisional sides get to test their skills against some of the top sides in the country. Hamilton Accies Reserves travel to Lennoxtown to take on Celtic to try and achieve a result their Premier League team has never managed over the Hoops – a win. Accies will most certainly be up against it on Sunday as they take on a Celtic side two leagues above them, but Hamilton’s Reserve team are top of the Second Division West Region league, so they won’t be short of confidence going into this tough fixture.

Rangers meanwhile face First Division side Raith Rovers, who up until two seasons ago, were in the Premier League. Although Rovers have lost a few players since their days in the top flight, they still have plenty of experience playing the top guns and will be expected to put up a decent fight against Rangers.

All Second Round ties going ahead this Sunday:

Hibernian 1875 v Spartans, Hibernian v Dunfermline, Glasgow City Reserves v Troon, Hutchison Vale v Inverness, Boroughmuir Thistle v Glasgow City, Raith Rovers v Rangers, Forfar Farmington v Celtic Reserves, Aberdeen City v Cowdenbeath, Forfar Farmington Reserves v Aberdeen University, Dee Vale v Motherwell, Aberdeen v Paisley Saints, Celtic v Hamilton Accies Reserves, Hibernian 1875 v Spartans, Murieston United v Hibernian 2000, Toryglen v Dundee United.

Boroughmuir v Glasgow City is at Meggetland, Edinburgh, 12.30pm Kick Off

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