Cowal FC made an eye-catching start in a higher division earlier this month with not one but two games in the same day.
The local side got off to a blistering start against first opponents JSCC with an opening-minute goal from Claire Segeren, who went on to torment their back line and complete a hat-trick.
The finish of the day, though, belonged to Ayleigh Ramage, who cut in from the left and curled a stunning effort with the outside of her right boot.
It was a full-blooded contest, with Cowal standing up to a physical JSCC side after a frenetic start and showing plenty of composure to see the game out.
In match two Cowal suffered a defeat to side Battlecats
although they produced another gutsy display in the day’s second fixture they were ultimately undone by the Battlecats, a seasoned outfit who finished third last season.
Despite creating a string of chances, Cowal couldn’t find a finish against a resolute defence and the game ended 2 – 0.
The standout performance came from goalkeeper Ramona Fomina, who delivered a heroic shift between the posts—pulling off several outstanding saves, commanding her box, and distributing well under pressure. She was a deserved Player of the Day, and the margin could have been wider without her excellence.
Other notable moments were a great debut performance in the heart of defence for Ruth MacPherson, a second appearance for Marion McMillan who is now a regular part of the match day squad and both players will be pushing for starting slots in games to come.
Emmerson Low returned from a year long absence whilst having her first child and recent recruit Nicole Gallagher travelled with the team for the first time to see what is involved in match days whilst Julka Gunn celebrated her birthday with a great performance in both matches.
Cowal leave the opening weekend with plenty of positives: goals on the board, evidence they can mix it physically at the higher level, and a statement performance from their keeper as the league campaign gets up to speed.
Cowal FC’s next game will once more feature a return to Firhill on October 26.
