03/06/2026
Shetland Women v Aberdeen City Ladies Match Report
After Clachnacudden Women forfeited the eagerly anticipated Highland & Island League Cup match against Shetland Women, a match against Aberdeen City Ladies was arranged to take place in Inverurie on Sunday 31st May.
Fielding a mixture of senior players and Under 18s it was clear from the initial exchanges that the Aberdeen City Ladies possessed a high standard of technical ability and were matching the Shetland Women physically. With the Inverurie sunshine beating down, the Shetland Women knew they were in for a stern test during an energy sapping ninety minutes.
It didn’t take long however before Shetland went a goal to the good. A through ball from Goalkeeper Jess Laurenson put Shetland into an attacking area, the ball then broke to Sarah Williamson. In her new role as a Central Midfield playmaker, Williamson threaded a first time through ball to the spritely and evergreen Emma Gray, who slotted calmly beyond the onrushing Keeper.
The new look Shetland defence including youngsters Emma Duncan, Missy MacShane and Shana Pottinger, were called upon to make several timely interceptions as Aberdeen began to exert territorial pressure. The experience of Autumn Arcus and Keeper Laurenson was clear as they marshalled their young troops to ensure the slender lead was protected.
On thirteen minutes the Shetland Women were two goals to the good. An aggressive high press, interception and cross from Kayla Shearer allowed Freya Leslie to smash a first-time effort from sixteen yards that found the left corner of the Aberdeen goal, a great strike that gave the keeper no chance.
In response the Aberdeen Ladies retained possession well, holding a position in Shetland’s half for long spells but the accuracy of the final ball and great fight from the Shetland defence ensured there wasn’t any clear-cut chances created by Aberdeen. In response, it allowed the Blues to break on the counter. With Captain Rhea Nicolson on the wing as well as Leslie and Gray looking sharp through the middle, Shetland had a serious goal scoring threat, and on twenty minutes a third was almost scored when Leslie played in Gray who narrowly shot over the bar from inside the box.
The introduction of the first of two midway water breaks gave the players a chance to recover and also an opportunity for the coaches to make changes. The introduction of young Charlie Smith for her first senior women’s experience and the returning Stacey Laurenson after a long battle with injuries, made for a pleasing moment. Both players acquitted themselves well.
The pressure on Shetland’s defence continued and on twenty-five minutes Aberdeen Ladies were given a penalty after Missy McShane was penalised for a foul in the box. Despite the best efforts of keeper Laurenson, Aberdeen reduced the deficit with a well-placed spot kick.
Soon after, in a swift move from left defence to right wing, the Aberdeen Ladies created a one on one with Laurenson which, unfortunately resulted in a second penalty award to the opposition. Again, the spot kick was tucked away with confidence to level the scoring at 2-2.
New football recruit Holly King was introduced for her first taste of competitive action as Shetland looked to utilise her pace in wide areas but the final action of a testing but entertaining first half was a fantastic save from Jess Laurenson. Diving full stretch to tip a goal bound shot around her left post. The Shetland Women welcomed the half time whistle as the warm conditions were clearly having an effect.
Some calm encouraging words from Niall Bristow allowed Shetland to regroup at the half time break. From the restart, Shetland went on the attack and a lovely passing move involving several players found Kayla Shearer down the left wing, her shot from the edge of the box went over the bar but showed that Shetland were not willing to settle for a draw. The following fifteen minutes Shetland held possession well and created several more chances and with the reintroduction of Captain Nicolson at right back, the Blues looked comfortable in defence.
The following fifteen minutes then settled into a similar pattern as the first with Aberdeen holding the majority of possession and making Shetland work hard for their attacking opportunities. One such chance fell to Shetland after possession was turned over by Williamson in midfield, Leslie skipped past a defender and played the ball into Gray. With back to goal Gray turned and shot only to see the Aberdeen keeper make a good save.
The 2nd water break gave the coaches another opportunity to reintroduce a few players and give players a well earned rest, particularly Emily Veitch, Sarah Williamson and Emma Duncan who had worked tirelessly throughout.
Into the final quarter and the game became open with both teams seeking a winner. Jess Laurenson remained a commanding figure in the Shetland goal with several fantastic saves. Jess’ distribution from the back was also excellent allowing Shetland’s build up play to begin higher up the pitch. A final push by Shetland almost produced a winner but Freya Leslie just couldn’t get a shot away after some good build up play.
The final whistle blew as the thunder that was forecasted began to rumble. All considered a fair result but an excellent performance from Shetland against a talented group of Aberdeen lasses.
