RENFREW Ladies are into the Division One Cup Final after a stunning second-half comeback, with player-of-the-match Claire Rae bagging a hat-trick for the home side.
Aberdeen WFC were the third North Region side Renfrew had faced in this year’s competition, after beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the first round and Cove Rangers in round two.
Currently topping Division One North with a 100 per cent record, the Dons were expected to provide a tougher test for the Frew.
And with Renfrew coming into the match having lost just once so far this season, it was set to be a cracker.
The visitors showed why they sit top in their respective division early on as they edged ahead within five minutes.
Frew took a short corner but got it all wrong and got caught on the counter with a lightning quick breakaway as the ball found its way up to their imposing forward, who cut in from the left-hand side of the box before curling a superb effort beyond the reach of Sam McQuillan.
This signalled the start of an onslaught from Aberdeen, who enjoyed a good 10-minute spell of possession in Renfrew’s half.
As the half drew to a close, Aberdeen had a gilt-edged chance to double their lead when their goalscorer forced McQuillian into a fine fingertip stop.
With words of encouragement from captain Ruadh Houston, Renfrew hauled themselves level before the hour mark.
The Frew Ladies were awarded a free-kick 40 yards out, with Rae unleashing a remarkable effort which dropped under the bar, out of reach of the keeper, to make it 1-1.
Renfrew got their noses in front just two minutes later, with the Dons failing to learn their lesson as Rae stepped up from 30 yards this time to find the top-right corner with another amazing strike.
The home side were well on top and extended their lead after Aberdeen handled in the area, giving Rae the perfect chance to complete her hat-trick – and she happily obliged as she sent the keeper the wrong way.
Frew held on comfortably to spark wild celebrations at the final whistle.
They must now wait to find out who they will face in the final on May 3, with Hibernian, East Fife and Celtic still in the running.
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