Match Report: DWPC/M’Hill Ladies v Warrender – SNL 2025/26

Published: 27 March 2026

Tuesday 24th March 2026 –Carnegie Centre-Dunfermline.

After an excellent 19-11 win in our last league match v Stirling, DWPC/M’Hill women lined up with a full 13 player compliment for their return match v Warrender with some optimism. However, although Warrender were only able to field nine players, an accomplished and organised performance by their experienced players and goalkeeper saw them establish a 6-1 half time lead. We did fight back in the 2^nd half but not sufficiently to overcome the deficit allowing Warrender to achieve a deserved 9-5 win.

Per 1: We started with Zara in goal, Ava and Lucy on the left, Molly and Millie on the right, Kayleigh R at CB and Julia at CF.  The opening exchanges were very tight with defences predominant. Kiara Walsh put Warrender ahead with a penalty before Molly equalised, also from 5m. We defended well a 5v6 before KW scored her 2^nd goal with a very well placed lob from the left wing. 1-2 down at the period end.

Per 2: Warrender took control of the game in this period adopting a very effective M drop which we failed to score against due to inaccurate shooting from distance under defensive pressure and good goalkeeping from Madeline Brown. They then counter attacked strongly to score 4 without reply through Caitlin McRobbie, Lauren Averell and a double from KW.  A 0-4 period score as we trailed 1-6 at halftime.

Per 3: Eve F replaced Zara in goal at this point as we worked hard and started to drive to try and get back into the game and gained an exclusion which was converted by Susan J. We conceded but saved a 5v6 before Eleanor C scored with a low corner first time perimeter shot from a cross pass. As Warrender kept driving we conceded a penalty which was scored by Cami Davidson we replied though with a nice team passing move allowing Molly to score from close in with 30 seconds on the clock. A positive 3-1 period win and arrears reduced to 4-7 at the three-quarter stage.

Per 4: Warrender started the final period strongly gaining an exclusion, but our defence held firm. They did score though through CMc before Susan scored her 2^nd goal of the game. We then gained an exclusion but missed the 6v5 after time-out. The game was even for the last 2 minutes. Both teams missed chances before KW finished the scoring with her 5^th goal of the game for a 2-1 period win and 9-5 win overall. Well played Warrender.

Reflections:

For 3 periods this was a very even game with the scores tied at 5-5. However, an excellent 2^nd period by Warrender established a four goal lead which was one that we couldn’t pull back. It was very positive that we had 13 players on poolside, 6 of whom are U19, but our lack of team preparation was clearly evident at times. Although we did concede seven exclusions it was an excellent effort to defend them all without conceding a goal.

Going forward, with two games against current League Champions Kirkintilloch and a return match v Stirling still to play, we have a lot to work on if we are to improve individually and collectively. We do need to try and schedule some sessions when everyone is present.

Areas to work on:

• Attacking an M Drop defence.
• Passing and first-time shooting
• Our fitness and water mobility to increase driving tempo and consistency.

Match summary:

1. Team: Goals(): Eve Fielding GK per 3+4 , Erin Livie, Julia MacKay, Kayleigh Roy, Millie Wishart, Molly Meldrum (2), Eleanor Campbell (1), Lucy MacNair, Ava Thornton, Lucy Hughes, Susan Johnston (2), Zara Christie GK per 1 + 2
2. Exclusions/Penalties (): Erin (1 exc), Julia MacKay (2 exc), Kayleigh (1 exc), Millie (1 pen), Molly (1 exc), Eleanor (1 exc, 1 pen), Lucy (1 exc).
3. Man-up: 1 scored from 2 attempts – Penalties: 1/1
4. Man-down: 4/6 saved (67%) – Penalties conceded: 0

Match Report - Scottish National League U19 Girls – DWPC v Menzieshill -15th Mar - NSA

Published: 17 March 2026

Dunfermline WPC’s U19 girls played their 6^th game of the 2025/26 season with a third fixture against Caley team-mates and friends, Menzieshill (MH). DWPC were only able to field 7 players due to the unavailability of Hali, Ruby and Molly Oswald but fortunately Niamh Wilson (2014 born) agreed to play up three age groups in order that we could fulfil the fixture. MH had 9 players but unfortunately no recognised goalkeeper as Ksenia, who proved to be a formidable GK the last time we played was unavailable. In a very high scoring game, we defended very well and using Niamh as a lone forward player won 27-20 with Niamh scoring an incredible 11 goals. Very well played girls.

Per 1: We made a very positive start with Ava scoring in our first attack. Having decided to adopt a tactic of man down defence and leaving 1 player (Niamh) forward, it didn’t start well with MH taking full advantage to score 3 goals in a row through Ailsa Duncan (AD) at CF. We did pull one back sending the ball long to Niamh who scored but MH responded with a further 2 goals with AD’s 4^th of the period and a nice lob from Libby Duncan (LD). As we began to get our defence & GK more organised, we scored 2 goals in the last minute on the counter-attack through Niamh and Ava to trail 4-6 at the end of the 1^st period.

Per 2: MH started well increasing their lead through Rosie IB before Ava pulled one back. A further 2 goals from Millie Wishart (MW) and LD extended the MH lead but as our 5v6 defence became more compact, we stole the ball and sent it long to Niamh to score before MW scored again for MH. We attacked again though and for the 2^nd period in a row scored two in the last 30 secs of the period, one from Poppy when 6v5 and another from Niamh with a steal and long pass forward. A 5-4 period win although we trailed 10-9 at the halfway point.

Per 3: At the start of this period our 5v6 tactics worked really well as we more active in putting pressure on the ball carrier to gain steals or force error. This helped us to steal and release Niamh or spring a counter attack continuously. We scored 7 through Niamh (3) Ava (3) and Isla to just 1 in reply from MH through Eleanor Campbell (EC). MH finished the period strongly to score 4 through RIB, MW and AD (2) but we scored two ourselves though through a double from Ava to win a very high scoring period 9-5 and to lead 18-14 at the three-quarter stage.

Per 4: The high scoring continued in the final period. AD pulled one back for MH before we scored four in a row through Isla and Ava (3). AD and MW pulled two back for MH before we replied with 3 from Ava and Niamh (2). Ailsa D then scored her 9^th goal of the game (an excellent effort) before Ava extended our lead again with 2 shots from the perimeter. On the restart, Eleanor then finished the scoring for MH with the last shot of the game. A 2^nd 9-5 period win in a row for a final score of 27-20. Well done to both sets of players for an exciting contest and for their efforts with no or little substitutions available.

Game Reflections:

Our players are to be commended for a hard working and tactically smart performance. To play so well with just 7 players for four periods was an excellent and hardworking effort. Very well done to Niamh and Ava who scored 23 goals between them, but this was possible due to excellent team 5v6 defence and the fact that MH had to play with inexperienced and reluctant goalkeepers.

Going forward we should continue our excellent work rate whilst focusing on:

• Player release and passing decision making and accuracy to reduce the number of possession turnovers and to take full advantage of gaining player advantage when counter attacking.
• Ball reception of longer passes when on the move.
• Perimeter shooting.

Match Statistics:

1. Team & Goal scorers ( ): Eve Fielding, Ava Thornton (12), Ruby Reid, Niamh Wilson (11), Poppy Reid (1). Isla Edwards (2), EllieThornton.
2. Exclusions/Pens conceded: Ava (1exc), Ruby R (3 exc).
3. Man-up – 2 gained - 2 scored (100%) - Man-down: 4 conceded – 3 saved. (75%)
4. Penalties: 0 gained – 0 conceded.

Match Report - Scottish National League U17 – Warrender v Dunfermline WPC

Published: 17 March 2026

Saturday 14^th March – 2026 at Carnegie Centre, Dunfermline:

Dunfermline WPC’s U17 girls played their 3^rd and final game v Warrender - in the 2025/25 season, reversing the previous two defeats with a commendable 19-13 win.

We lined up with 9 players to Warrender’s 12 and positively were able to welcome back Ava Thornton who missed the last game due to GB involvement. The game was very tight for the first three periods with Warrender leading 12-11 at the three-quarter stage. However, a very strong final period as Warrender introduced their younger and less experienced players, allowed us to pull away for victory. Congratulations to both teams for another well fought and competitive fixture.                               

Per 1: 7 goals were shared in this period with Warrender edging it 4-3. We worked hard to gain 3 exclusions scoring one 6v5 and also a penalty which we converted. Our 3 goals were scored by Ava.

Per 2: We fought back strongly in this period to score six through Poppy when 6v5, Ava (3), Hali and Isla. Warrender scored three and gained 2 exclusions with strong driving but tight defence and good goalkeeping by Eve kept them out. We led 9-7 at halftime.

Per 3: Warrender then fought back strongly to win this period 5-2. Emily Lake scored early to reduce arrears before Hali converted a 6v5 to increase our lead again. Warrender then scored 3 in a row to lead by one before Ava equalised. Zoe Nimmo scored with 4 seconds on the clock to give Warrender a 12-11 lead at the three-quarter stage.

Per 4: As Warrender made changes, we had a very strong final period, defending strongly then counter attacking to score 7 without reply through Ava (2), Hali (3) and Ellie (2). Warrender pulled a goal back, we then saved a 5v6 situation before Isla finished the scoring for an 8-1 period score and a 19-13 win. Very well done girls.

Game Reflections:

For three periods, this was another highly competitive fixture between the two teams. Unlike last time however, we gained ascendancy in the last period to score some nice goals on the counter-attack. All our players enjoyed lengthy water time and contributed positively to our win. All round a very positive performance.

Areas to work on:

• 6v5 – setting up quickly, passing accurately to the free player and making good decisions on when to shoot on target!
• 1v1 defence – Position the body to direct the opposition driver away from the ball and the goal and if caught behind defend without conceding a penalty.
• Collective defence – Work together and communicate switches to cover opposition driving threats and crash back to protect our CB.
• Shooting on target under pressure especially from the perimeter.

Match Statistics:

1. Team & Goal scorers ( ): Eve Fielding, Ruby Oswald, Ava Thornton (9) Hali Farah (5), Niamh Wilson, Poppy Reid (1), Isla Edwards (2), Molly Oswald, Ellie Thornton (2)
2. Exclusions/Pens conceded: Ruby O (1 pen), Niamh (1exc) Poppy R (2 exc).
3. Man-up –8 gained. 3 scored (38%) - Man-down: 3 conceded – 1 goal scored – 67%
4. Penalties: 1 gained – 1 scored (100%) 0 conceded.

Match Report - SNL U17 Girls – DWPC v Menzieshill – Sat 7 Mar

Published: 08 March 2026

Match Report - Scottish National League U17 Girls – DWPC v Menzieshill – Saturday 7^th March 2026 - Carnegie Centre – Dunfermline.

Dunfermline WPC’s U17 girls have this weekend played their Caley team-mates and friends Menzieshill & Whitehall for the 2nd time this season at U17 level. Dunfermline lined up with 9 players and Menzieshill only seven but both teams served up a hard working and closely fought contest in which both sets of players enjoyed extended time in the water. Both teams won two periods each, but a very strong 3^rd period where we scored 5 goals without reply edged the game 13-10 in our favour.

Per 1: DWPC made a positive start with 2 goals from Hali, one when 6v5 before Ailsa D scored for MH when we were 5v6. Hali scored her 3^rd goal of the period in the last minute for a 3-1 lead at the end of the period.

Per 2: Eleanor C scored early for MH from the perimeter to reduce arrears before Isla scored to re-establish our two goal lead. We then gained but missed a 6v5 before goals from Rosie IB and Phoebe S drew MH level at 4-4. Rosie H then scored on the drive for a 2-3 period score and a narrow 5-4 lead at the halfway point.

Per 3: We did really well in this period and effectively won the game with five goals scored without reply with strong defence and goalkeeping, counter attacks and accurate shooting. Our goals were scored by Hali (2), Ruby O when 6v5, Niamh and a 2^nd from Rosie to lead 10-4 at the three-quarter stage.

Per 4: Credit to MH however who fought back strongly at the start of the final period with 3 goals through Libby D with a lob, Rosie IB and Ailsa’s 2^nd at CF as we lost our composure. We then rallied to score 3 in a row with excellent counterattacking and shooting from Isla. MH kept working hard taking advantage of our inaccurate passing to score another 3 goals from Ailsa, Rosie IB and Eleanor. They then gained a 6v5 but we did well to save it before we gained a penalty which was unfortunately missed. A 3-6 final period to MH for a final 13-10 win for DWPC.  Well played girls.

Game Reflections:

Well done to both teams for a hardworking and closely fought contest. The players are to be commended for their hard work and their determined but also sporting and respectful approach to the game.

Going forward we should focus on:

• Our decision making and accuracy when passing.
• Our counter-attacking accuracy.
• Releasing strongly v defensive pressure to receive a pass or move the ball on accurately and quickly.
• Our penalty shooting.
• Match Statistics:

1. Team & Goal scorers ( ): Eve Fielding, Ruby Oswald (1), Hali Farah (5), Niamh Wilson (1), Poppy Reid, Isla Edwards (4), Rosie Hookham (2), Molly Oswald, EllieThornton.
2. Exclusions/Pens conceded: Ruby O (1 exc), Hali (1 exc), Niamh (1 exc) Isla (1 exc), Poppy (1 exc)
3. Man-up – 3 gained - 2 scored (67%) - Man-down: 5 conceded – 2 saved. (40%)
4. Penalties: 1 gained - 0 scored – (0%) – 0 conceded.