The first league clash between the pair back in November ended in a draw, and both teams were anxious to better that result here.  Despite Dundee resolutely defending, determined to score the first goal, it was Edinburgh that took first blood, taking advantage of a fumbled possession to sneak in for a simple run-in.  A nice drop-off shot doubled the students’ lead and Dominic Gillespie made it three for the students, getting past his man to score a simple short-range effort.

Things began to look ominous for the away team when Max Wartelle sunk a fourth- a stunning long-range effort that didn’t even touch the sides of the korf as it dropped in- and Ella Paul added a fifth.  Mary Cooper replied with Dundee’s first, rebounding a long effort from Kirsty Campbell that sailed over the korf, but Edinburgh soon hit back with another run-in.  Nigel Cooper continued his good scoring form with another effort from distance, but Edinburgh added a seventh before the half-time whistle blew.

The students continued in the same vein after the restart, another long shot hitting its mark early on before a penalty awarded for contact on the shot- a silly foul for a shot under the post with little prospect of scoring- was converted by Dominic Gillespie.  Wartelle sunk another long effort, this time from the side of the court, before Dundee awoke from their slumber and began to threaten in attack.  Kirsty Campbell ended her goal drought with a magnificent effort from the half-way line, while Erwin Oosterhorn reacted first to a rebound, losing his marker and dropping in a straightforward effort.

Wartelle added another to his tally with a simple run-in, but Caroline Cohen responded for Dundee with a mid-range effort.  The comeback was not to be, though, Edinburgh chalking up another two before Shane Thornhill snagged another consolation for the Taysiders.

Dundee never really looked like taking anything from this match, particularly after allowing Edinburgh to build up a sizeable lead early on, but will take some solace in a second half display that was solid, if unspectacular, and demonstrated the attacking ability in the team.  All four ladies found their way onto the scoresheet and the fact that all six goals were scored by different people demonstrates a depth of talent, with perhaps confidence being the only barrier to stronger performances.

Michael Nicholson

Team:   Kirsty Campbell, Mary Cooper, Alan Morrison, Erwin Oosterhorn, Caroline Cohen, Nigel Cooper, Tanjeel Maleque (Paul Grocott, 31′), Shane Thornhill.

Goals:   Mary Cooper, Nigel Cooper, Kirsty Campbell, Erwin Oosterhorn, Caroline Cohen, Shane Thornhill

MVP:   Shane Thornhill