LOCH Lomond’s second team wrapped up their league season with a fine 2-1 victory away to Hillhead’s fifth XI on Saturday – a fitting way to wrap up a highly encouraging 2018-19 campaign.

The day didn’t get off to a great start for the Loch Lomond team, thanks to a change of venue at the last minute, but the away side’s strategy wasn’t derailed, with Loch Lomond dominating in the early stages, defending high and driving the ball well up the pitch.

Bongiwe Tshabalala was rewarded for her pressing play when she opened the scoring after linking up well with Gillian Finch up front.

The midfield gave a hundred per cent throughout the first half, running tirelessly and with Lucy MacRae picking up every loose ball.

Loch Lomond reached the interval 1-0 up, though at the beginning of the second half the visitors began to stand off the ball a bit, allowing Hillhead back into the game – but Loch Lomond kept it tight, and goalkeeper Emma O’Neill and her defenders worked hard to keep the ball out.

The visitors added to their tally when Tshabalala netted her second goal – and though Hillhead upped the tempo in the closing stages in a bid to find a way back into the match, Loch Lomond dug in well, as they have done all season, to protect their advantage.

Hillhead did pull one back from a short corner in the dying seconds of the match, but the umpire blew the final whistle moments later.

Jenny Tripney earned Hillhead’s award for the Loch Lomond ‘player of the match’, while Lucy MacRae took Loch Lomond’s own prize for an inspired display, with double goalscorer Bongiwe Tshabalala the runner-up.

The overwhelming message at the end of the season is that Loch Lomond II have improved no end and had great fun playing together.

Caroline Lyall from LHC said: “Everyone should be pleased and proud of their performance from the stalwarts to the young girls in their debut season.

“Special thanks to coach Anne McGregor for her immeasurable enthusiasm and experience, and we must mention a few of our supporters, Alison, Lottie and William who are there every week and who we consider part of the team.”

Thanks to Hillhead for providing both umpires.

Squad: Emma O’Neill, Anna Currie, Anna English, Elaine Wotherspoon, Kara Kerr, Jenna Gallacher, Naomi Ellis, Lucy MacRae, Jenny Tripney, Bongiwe Tshabalala, Gillian Finch, Rachael Gibbs, Colette Sweeney, Ava Currie.