Dunfermline 2-1 Kilmarnock | Reserve Cup Final

Late Heartbreak in Reserve Cup Final

Kilmarnock Reserves suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat in the SPFL Reserve Cup Final at New Central Park, as a late strike from Dunfermline’s Omar Taylor-Clarke denied the young Killie side a second title in three seasons.

In a rematch of the 2023 final – a memorable 7-0 victory for Killie – the match was a much tighter affair this time around. Dunfermline, last season’s champions, retained their crown thanks to Taylor-Clarke’s late moment of quality.

The Fifers started strongly, and nearly took the lead inside three minutes when Sam Fisher let fly from range, his shot just inches wide of Aidan Glavin’s post.

Dunfermline opened the scoring on 23 minutes, as Taylor Sutherland rose highest to meet a cross and nodded beyond Glavin to give his side the lead.

Killie responded well, with striker Zander Craik going close on 30 minutes, only to see his effort sail over the bar. After the break, Aaron Brown came even closer with a well-struck free-kick that narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Euan Bowie and Reuben Cooper both tried their luck from distance as Killie pushed for an equaliser, and they got their reward in the 65th minute. Zander Craik made no mistake this time, turning smartly inside the box and finishing from 10 yards to level the contest.

Tensions flared in the 80th minute when an altercation between Ben Brannan and Andrew Tod sparked a wider confrontation. Both Ethan Brown of Killie and Dunfermline’s Sutherland were shown red cards following the incident.

With the game seemingly heading for penalties, Omar Taylor-Clarke produced the decisive moment in the 85th minute, finding the corner from distance to give Dunfermline a late lead.

There was still time for one last push from Killie, and Aaron Brown almost snatched an equaliser in stoppage time, but Deniz Mehmet produced a superb save to preserve the Pars’ advantage.

Despite the result, the young Killie side can take pride in a spirited performance against a strong Dunfermline outfit who successfully defended their title.

Scorer: Craik

Team: Glavin, Brannan, Bowie, E. Brown, Ellis, Barlow, Cooper (Duruh 87’), Traynor, Craik (Davis 84’), A. Brown, Burke