Match report: Kilmarnock 2-1 Gartcairn (Women)

It was another cold day at Rugby Park where the second and third place teams met in the SWPL2, with Kilmarnock looking to continue their recent run of good form.  

The game began with several scrappy exchanges with neither side being able to gain a foothold in the game early on. There were a couple of early chances in the offering with Lucie Burns taking on the defence eventually putting the ball narrowly over the bar, but it was a bright start from Kilmarnock.  

Many more close shots followed for the home side and the opening goal would soon come, as on the 26th minute a through ball was played by Eilidh Martin and was collected by Burns who delightfully dinked the goalkeeper giving Kilmarnock a well deserved 1-0 lead.  

Five minutes later the lead was doubled with the goal being almost identical to the first, with Burns being sent through by McTear one-on-one and she cooly chipped the goalkeeper again to give her side the 2-0 cushion they desired. More chances followed with Lucie Burns being at the heart of the attacks narrowly putting one wide from a tight angle. Ultimately the brace from Burns gave the home side the advantage at break leading 2-0.  

The second half began with Gartcairn in the ascendence with early spells of possession and a couple of decent chances. An early free kick having to be kept out by Ellie Currie on the 48th minute.  

The visitors eventually found a route back into the game with Rebecca McGowan giving the away side a goal to make it 2-1 and the drive to try and find a leveller.  Kilmarnock boss Jim Chapman was forced to go to his bench soon after as Mia Scott took a hard fall after going up for a header, leading to a substitution.  

More chances soon followed for Kilmarnock as Arwen O’Brien headed over the bar from close range on the 57th minute from a deep free kick, also a Louise Cowan attempt at goal was saved by the keeper. On the 68th minute, the goal scorer Burns departed being substituted for Katie Gallagher.  

In the closing stages Gartcairn were trying to push for an equaliser, a late free kick was given to the away side and was saved by Currie securing the three points for the home side building their momentum ahead of their visit to league leaders Hamilton. 

Manager Jim Chapman spoke to Killie TV after the game and said: “First half we were exceptional, worked to the game plan, created so many chances, if anything I’m surprised it was only two.”  Chapman also said: “I’m pleased the way that the girls dug in at the end.”

The next fixture in the SWPL2 for Kilmarnock is a visit to leaders Hamilton on Sunday 26th January. The gap at the top currently stands at 8 points with Kilmarnock looking to close the gap down to 5 the next time out. 

Report: David McLaughlin

Pictures: Ross Mackenzie