SWFL Cup Final: Bayside Ladies 0 Bishopton FC Ladies 4

HEAD COACH Ross Wortley expressed his pride at the "huge achievement" of Bayside Ladies in reaching a national cup final.

The West Fife side, who will collect their SWF (Scottish Women's Football) North/East Championship trophy this weekend, came up short in the first Scottish Women's Football League (SWFL) Cup final against Bishopton FC Ladies on Sunday.

In a game that was the second of two showpiece matches played back-to-back at Livingston FC's Tony Macaroni Arena, and which was streamed live on YouTube, Bayside were unable to complete what would have been a dream league and cup double.

Goals from Jen McMahon and Laura Inglis gave the Renfrewshire side a two-goal half-time lead, which was further extended by Colleen Donnelly and Danielle Mullen to ensure they lifted the inaugural trophy.

Although he admitted that nerves and the occasion had played its part, Wortley told Press Sport this week of the achievement in reaching the final against a team that had been together for a number of years, in comparison to a Bayside side who are about to complete their first full season together.

"It was a great occasion and credit must go to SWF for what they did. It was really professional and fantastic," he said.

"I think nerves got to the guys a wee bit. Bishopton deserved it – they went out and stuck to their tactics and gameplan, and it worked. We had tactics and a gameplan but, unfortunately, it didn't work. They were well-organised; it was a tough one to take.

"When you weigh everything up, it's a huge achievement to get to a cup final in the first place. They (Bishopton) have got everything there and you expect them to get to cup finals and win leagues. That's why I take my hat off to my guys; we've been together for a year and we've won the league and got to a major cup final.

"Unfortunately, someone has to lose, and unfortunately it was us. They were all quite down but, having had a couple of days to reflect, to even get here in the first place is unbelievable.

"They can hold their heads up high."

Wortley continued: "I hope they've had a wee taste of it now. They know what to expect and what it takes to get there so hopefully we can push on next season.

"We didn't play that badly. There were spells of the match we did control, and one of their coaches said that we were the hardest game they've had, and they had to step up a level. We have to take a positive from that.

"My guys put their bodies on the line when they had to. There are a lot of cuts, bruises and bumps but it was just one of those days. At half-time, I said that the next goal was the most important, and that we have to get it. Unfortunately, we switched off from a short corner.

"It wasn't to be but, again, I'm just massively proud of everyone's achievements."

Bayside round off their SWF league season against East Fife Development at Pitreavie on Sunday, looking to win their 13th game from 15.

The match kicks-off at 1.30pm and, afterwards, the team will receive the league trophy.