KILMARNOCK 2 DUWFC 4

Dundee United made it through to the SWPL Cup Quarter Final stage but they were made to work for it by Kilmarnock in a 4-2 win this afternoon at Rugby Park.

Despite being two goals to the good at half time, two quick fire goals by the hosts and a red card for Jade McLaren made things look shaky for United but they restored their two goal lead to take all three points and finish second in Group B.

Graeme Hart made three changes from the side that lost to Hibernian in midweek as Rachel Todd, Laurie Ross and Tammy Harkin replaced Neve Guthrie, Haley Kern and Steffi Simson.

After a strong start, United broke the deadlock after just four minutes when Danni McGinley’s throw in was acrobatically flicked on by Tammy Harkin and Jade McLaren was on hand to score her second of the season.

McGinley was denied by Molly Reeve shortly after while Robyn Smith was inched away from connecting with a Harkin cross.

In the fourteenth minute Kilmarnock’s first chance fell to Abby Robinson but she couldn’t get a strong enough shot away and it was easy for Meach.

United were awarded a penalty three minutes later when Laurie Ross was shoved over while attempting to win the ball; unfortunately McGinley sent the spot kick over the bar.
Shelley Campbell had a free kick sail miles over for the hosts before Robinson was denied by Meach again.

Megan Burns couldn’t find the target from a tight angle but it wasn’t long before United deservedly doubled their lead through Rachel Todd in a fantastic counter attack.

Meach pulled off a brilliant save to tip an Eva Gray shot over meanwhile at the other end Smith could have made it three but for the feet of Reeve.

Kilmarnock came out for the second half and found themselves level within twelve minutes as Neil and Campbell pulled them back into the game.

Graeme Hart made three changes on the hour mark as he looked to restore the lead with Cattanach, Guthrie and Erin Ross replacing Burns, Laurie Ross and Foote.

United were dealt a blow in their efforts to get back in front just two minutes later when Jade McLaren was shown a straight red for an apparent kick out.

Despite Kilmarnock having the player advantage, it was the visiting United side that seemed to thrive after this and with twenty minutes remaining, they edged themselves back in front through Tammy Harkin’s smart finish.

Tempers flared both on and off the pitch shortly after when Neve Guthrie was booked for a poor challenge despite a carbon copy going unpunished for Kilmarnock seconds beforehand.

The two goal lead was restored with ten minutes to go and it was top scorer Danni McGinley who rifled a powerful effort over Reeve and into the net for her eighth of the season.

McGinley was denied a second in the dying embers of the match by Reeve but despite this, Hart’s side took all three points to qualify for the SWPL Cup Quarter Finals.

Kilmarnock: Reeve, Burrows, Gray, G. Crooks (Galt 46), Robinson, Harty, Campbell, Neil, Reside (Munro 46), Middleton, M. Crooks
Sub not used: Swan

Dundee United: Meach, Cowper, McLaren, McGinley, Smith (Kern 82), L. Ross (Guthrie 60), Todd, Foote (Cattanach 60), Burns (E. Ross 60), Harkin, Clemison
Subs not used: Robb, Robson, McMillan