A dramatic end to Falkirk’s debut game in SWPL 2 saw the points shared at Foundation Park.
Falkirk opened the game well, creating chances within the first five minutes of play as Emma Lawson crossed the ball in for Mhari Smith who then headered the ball narrowly wide.
Dundee United were the first team to have the ball in the back of the net 12 minutes into the clash, however this was ruled offside and the scoreline remained 0-0.
It wasn’t long until the scoreline changed and it was Falkirk who bagged the first goal of the game. The initial ball was swooped into the box by Maisy Stewart, but it was quickly punched away by United’s goalkeeper.
The ball then fell to the feet of Katy Townsend as she knocked it into the path of Mhari Smith, who then found the back of the net with a stunning goal to take the lead.
Falkirk had a chance to extend their lead half an hour into the match as Lawson took the strike towards goal, but it was straight into the path of the goalkeeper.
Falkirk continued to push for another, with a ball from Anna Dickov to Olivia Murphy down the right-hand side. Murphy came face to face with the goalkeeper and took the shot but once again the ball couldn’t sneak past McCann in the opposition goal.
On the stroke of half time Dundee United managed to equalise with a strike from Georgie Robb on the edge of the box, leaving it all to play for in the second half.
The girls came back onto the pitch with a fighting mentality; they began the second half by creating some good chances. Multiple players took their chances, but none were successful.
Falkirk managed to get their lead back ten minutes into the second half. A cleared free kick eventually found Lawson, who gave Falkirk the advantage again as the ball soared into the top corner.
The visitors controlled the game for much of the second half, around 70 minutes came a chance to extend their lead. Lawson struck the ball from six yards out but it was high and over the crossbar.
Falkirk then displayed a defensive masterclass to hold onto their one goal lead. It was chaotic in Falkirk’s own box when Charlotte Ferguson was off her line but loan signing Rowan Eadie stepped into action and cleared the ball from the face of goal.
With two minutes of regular time to go, Dundee United’s captain was shown a red card for a handball on the line, this then awarded Falkirk a penalty and a chance to put the game to bed. Eadie was the one to take the spot kick however it was saved and Falkirk kept the lead.
Unfortunately for Falkirk, Dundee United secured a late equaliser in additional time after Alma Codegoni was one-on-one with Ferguson, making it 2-2.
A dramatic end to the first game of the season saw Falkirk leave Dundee with a point on the board.
Falkirk next face St Johnstone at home on Sunday 23rd August where they look to bag their first win in SWPL 2.
DUNDEE UNITED XI: McCann, MacPherson, Stevenson, Jameison, Simpson, Bruce ©, Park, Robb, McCafferty, Marnie, Logan.
SUBS: Smart, Martindale, Mackinlay, Codegoni, Brennan, Taylor.
FALKIRK XI: Ferguson, Murray ©, Townsend, Smith, Murphy, Lawson, Mason, Eadie, Dickov, Stewart, Murphy.
SUBS: Reeve, Thomas, Neillie, Stoddart, Lynch, Hegarty, Bryce, McArthur, Armstrong.
Report written by: Connie Inglis
Cover photo by: Mollie Stanage
