MATCH REPORT | DUFCW WITH A FIVE STAR SHOWING AT ACCIES

Dundee United Women earned their first win of the season after defeating Hamilton Academical 5-3 on Sunday.

Rachel Todd’s hat-trick coupled with first United goals for Leah Sidey and Claire Delworth sealed the points. 

THE TEAM TALK

Graeme Hart made three changes to his squad for the clash at New Douglas Park, Tash Bruce, Georgie Robb and Jo Fraser were all drafted in.

New signing Brodie Greenwood was named on the bench, while Keira Chuter was unable to take part.

EARLY OPENINGS

It was a flying start for United as Rachel Todd’s corner flew into the net unopposed with just five minutes on the clock.

With only ten minutes gone, the lead was doubled when Jo Fraser was bundled over in the box; Todd stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Shortly after, Megan Sidey held a long-range strike in Accies’ first opportunity of the game.

Leah Sidey had a header gathered by the Hamilton keeper from a Katie Frew cross with both sides having free kicks come to nothing as the game rolled towards halftime.

On the stroke of the interval, Sidey wasn’t to be denied this time; rising highest again to head a Frew cross into the corner of the net and putting United three to the good!

SECOND 45

Todd didn’t have to wait long in the second half to complete her hat-trick when the referee again pointed to the spot in the 52nd minute. The captain stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way again.

Two minutes later Hamilton pulled a goal back as Kirstie McIntosh slotted home.

Accies hit the post and crossbar as they looked for a way back into the game but they were to fall further behind with 25 minutes remaining.

A good passing move saw Sidey slip the ball to Claire Delworth who finished well for her first goal of the season.

United’s lead was cut again in the 78th minute; Josi Giard rounding Megan Sidey before finishing into the empty net.

Graeme Hart’s side almost completed another slick period of play when Georgie Robb fired past the post.

There was a lengthy delay in the 87th minute when Emma McMurdo had to be stretchered off, leaving United with ten players.

The lead was reduced again in the 16th minute of injury time with a long-range strike from Eilidh Martin - a final consolation for the Accies. 

After almost twenty minutes of injury time, the referee blew the final whistle as keeper Megan Sidey also required treatment that led to her being stretchered off.

DUFCW

Starting XI: M. Sidey, Frew (Delworth 57), Wilson, Jameison, Bruce (McMurdo 57), Fraser (Greenwood 57), Robb, Todd, L. Sidey (Hurrell 70), Cowper (Cusack 70), Noble

Subs not used: Murphy, Taylor, Christie, Sangster

You can watch the highlights on DUTV!