Pars Ladies Leave it late to clinch Promotion

DALFC beat Spartans Reserves to secure promotion to the 1st Division

Dunfermline Athletic Ladies secured promotion into the Scottish Women's 1st Division on Sunday beating Spartans Reserves 2 -1 after extra time.

Spartans Reserves entered the play-off matches after the winners of the 2nd Division North League declined promotion to the 1st Division so there was already controversy before this match went ahead. The fixture was played at Recreation Park in Alloa at 3pm. It followed the other play-off match which saw Hearts knick a win against Murieston after extra time. Due to injury and suspension, Dunfermline started with a different eleven to that which beat East Fife to win the league, and unsure of Spartans style of play started with a 4-5-1 formation.

It was a nervy start for both teams as they struggled to bring the ball down and get used to the 3G surface, however it was not long before both teams got the ball flowing and shared an equal amount of possession. Dunfermline utilised the left wing and the pace of Jayne Clason to get past the Spartans defense and Clason was unlucky not to get on the score sheet in the first half. An injured Jude Shepherd was replaced by Laura Yuill at half time and the Pars came out with a bit more fight. Excellent build up play released midfielder Jenny Sloan who cracked the cross bar with a powerful shot. Spartans were just as dangerous at the other end with keeper Angie Comrie called into action several times.

With 20 minutes to go it was too close to call, but disaster struck as another injury hit Dunfermline and this time defender Lou Halliday was replaced by Katie McGill. With the Dunfermline defence in disarray Spartans pounced and made it 1-0. Dunfermline kept up the fight though and orders from the sideline saw them switch to a 4-3-3 formation. This paid off in the last 5 minutes as striker Kerry Finlay won a penalty for her team as she was brought down inside the box. Rachael McQuade stepped up to take and calmly slotted the ball past the Spartans keeper. 1-1 and the match was now heading for extra time.

Extra time was just exciting as the second half with both teams creating chances. It was Dunfermline who broke the deadlock with Clason finding the back of the net after a fantastic run down the left wing. Celebrations were halted though as the referee ruled the goal off-side after advice from his assistant. Five minutes to go and this time Dunfermline were celebrating properly as McQuade scored a 30 yard wonder goal after picking up the ball in midfield. Spartans keeper had no chance as McQuade used the last of her energy to fire home and send her team into the 1st Division for 2013. Final score Dunfermline 2 Spartans Reserves 1.

Dunfermline will now face Hearts on Sunday 4 November at Recreation Park in Alloa at 12pm to decide overall Scottish 2nd Division champions and Spartans Reserves and Murieston battle it out for the last of the promotion places at 3pm.