Kilmarnock 0-0 Dundee United – Women

By David McLaughlin

The SWPL2 season continued with week three action as second-placed Kilmarnock, who had opened the campaign with two straight victories, welcomed Dundee United, who arrived with one win and one defeat from their opening fixtures. Jim Chapman’s side went into the game looking to extend their strong start and build on last season’s progress in the push for promotion.

The match began with several scrappy exchanges as strong winds disrupted play. Kilmarnock created a couple of early openings, the best coming through Lucy Burns. After a driving run down the left, she cut inside but her shot struck the side netting. The home side looked most dangerous when stretching the play, with wingers Burns and Cranie regularly beating their markers and forcing the visitors’ defence onto the back foot.

Dundee United looked to impose themselves in midfield and threatened on the counterattack, testing Kilmarnock’s back line with balls over the top and into the channels. The defence held firm, however, and the sides went in level at the break with the score goalless.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams battling the conditions and looking to stay organised. Clear chances were limited, but Kilmarnock captain Abby Robinson went close when she fired narrowly wide from a promising position.

Neither side was able to find a breakthrough and the match ended 0-0. For Kilmarnock it was a frustrating result that halted the early momentum from their opening two victories, but they remain firmly focused on their promotion ambitions.

Manager Jim Chapman reflected after the match: “We only have ourselves to blame, and in some ways it feels like two points dropped.” He was keen to highlight the positives, adding: “That was one of the best team performances I’ve seen.”

Next up for Kilmarnock is a Sky Sports League Cup tie against Dundee United, before a return to league duty away to Stirling University.