Scotland: Watsonians and Edinburgh University locked at the top of the Women’s Premiership

It couldn’t be closer: Watsonians and Edinburgh University are level at the top of the women’s league. They both have a perfect record with 18 points after six games and are also level on goal difference.

Watsonians had the tougher afternoon but they defeated their rivals Clydesdale Western 2-1 at Peffermill. It was a thrilling encounter and far from a title decider, but the champions are right in front.

All the goals came in the first half, which started with an open play attack from Watsonians’ Ailsa Small. But within five minutes, Clydesdale were level with a deflection from Fiona Semple. The winning goal, as it turned out, came from a penalty corner by Emily Dark. Clydesdale might have taken the lead in the second half had Watsonians keeper Iona Colquhoun not made a few crucial saves, but in the end it was Watsonians who prevailed.

Watsonians coach Keith Smith answered. “It was a close game in which both sides had chances to win, but in the end a draw would not have been unfair and Clydesdale could have considered themselves unlucky not to get anything out of the match. For the neutral sides it was an exciting and competitive match.”

In contrast, Edinburgh University had an easier passage today with a 5-0 win over Hillhead. Here there were five goal scorers: Sophia Donald, Harri Platt, Connie Roxburgh, Jojo Muhl and Emily McLean. Interestingly, Hillhead’s goalkeeper Amy Cameron had a role to play in two penalties, the first went wide and she saved the second.

Perhaps a surprising result in the shadow of Bothwell Castle, home team Uddingston’s victory over Wildcats. The only goal of the match came from Sophie Holmes, who fired home with a low shot from the top of the circle. Wildcats huffed and puffed but were unable to break through Uddy’s strong defence, with the home side now moving closer to the top half of the table. Not a good weekend for the Cats, who lost both games and couldn’t find the net.

With GHK’s match against St Andrews University postponed, Grange moved into the top six with a seven-goal win over Aberdeen University, with four goals from Rachel Shiel. The other goals came from Jen Cain, Alex Massey and Freya Philip.

In Edinburgh, Inverleith and Glasgow University served up an eight-goal thriller… sharing the win in a thrilling affair. The students took the lead but two goals in as many minutes from Rachael Campbell made Inverleith 2-1. Glasgow leveled in the final quarter before Stella Hunger’s double gave Inverleith a 4-3 lead before the visitors equalized with a late penalty corner. The verdict: “A really great hockey game and great hockey from both sides.”