Alloa Athletic Women’s side have reached the last four of the ScottishPower Regional League Plate with a resounding 7–0 victory away to Ardrossan Winton Juniors.
Following another comprehensive victory in the previous round away to Stonehaven, Allan Milne’s side made another lengthy journey as they looked to continue their cup run and create history for the club.
Winton Park was the venue and conditions shifted from storms to blue skies as Alloa looked to find the elusive opener.
It was the hosts who tested the goal first, but they were denied by a fine save from Rachel Docherty.
The Wasps began to settle into the game and take control. Fantastic link-up play on the left led to Rihanna McMinimee pulling the ball back for Mia Hutcheson to rifle home her first competitive goal and the opener.
Alloa had found their rhythm, with more one-touch link-up play feeding through to Bailey Black, who smashed home number two of the afternoon before the break.
With the game still finely poised at half-time, the visitors came out of the traps with a dominant second-half performance.
Amy Cully and Jenna Woods both got in on the act with a couple of well-worked goals to add to Alloa’s lead.
Star of the show was Bailey Black, who completed her hat-trick in the second half with two more powerful strikes. Great work from Cully saw her chase down a loose ball, and while what looked to be a penalty opportunity didn’t materialise, Black was on hand to pick up the scraps and fire into the top corner for the match ball.
The cherry on top came in the final five minutes with the pick of the strikes from Lucy Burnett. A corner was cleared to the edge of the box and Burnett’s effort was hit sweetly into the top corner.
It’s the first time an Alloa Athletic Women’s side has reached the semi-final of a cup competition — an achievement manager Allan Milne is proud of.
“We are delighted to reach the semi-final of the SWFL Plate. It’s the first time this club has made it to this stage of a cup competition and the players should be proud of that achievement.
“We had to deal with some adversity as a squad but credit to the players — they really stepped up in the second half and it was an excellent performance.
“Seven goals with no reply and multiple different scorers has to give us confidence going back into the league and, of course, into the semi-final when it comes around.”
The Wasps will find out their semi-final opponents this week, with Buckie Thistle, Jeanfield Swifts and Penicuik Athletic all in the draw.
The tie will be played on Sunday, April 19. Prior to that they will return to league action this Sunday (March 22, 2pm KO) against Cumbernauld Colts at home.
