07/06/2026
Stenhousemuir Community Foundation - Girls Under-14's played their fourth fixture of the block with an impressive 3-1 victory over Gartcairn Blacks at Ochilview Park on Sunday morning.
From the opening whistle, the Warriors set the tempo. Moving the ball confidently, controlling possession, and creating chances, the girls quickly established themselves as the dominant side. πͺ
The first talking point came from a Stenhousemuir corner. Karla's delivery caused chaos in the box and, after a touch towards goal, the ball appeared to cross the line. However, with the referee unsighted, the goal could not be awarded. So close! π€
The setback did little to disrupt Stenhousemuir's rhythm. The breakthrough arrived in spectacular fashion when Niamh collected the ball on the edge of the area and unleashed a stunning looping half-volley from 25 yards that sailed into the top corner. A goal worthy of winning any match and a deserved reward for the girls' bright start. 1-0 Stenhousemuir! π
Despite controlling much of the first half, Stenhousemuir were pegged back just before the interval. A flick-on from Gartcairn created uncertainty at the back, and their striker reacted quickest to fire home on the half-volley and make it 1-1 against the run of play.
At half-time, the message was clear: trust the football, keep the ball on the ground, and continue playing the way we know we can.
The second half began more evenly, with the girls defending resolutely while working their way back into control. Their patience was rewarded when the ball was spilled by the Gartcairn goalkeeper after some build up play into the box. Mollie reacted instantly, showing true poacher's instincts to pounce on the loose ball and tap home from close range to restore the lead. 2-1 Stenhousemuir! π₯³
With confidence growing, Stenhousemuir began to turn the screw. The work rate across the pitch was outstanding, with players tracking back, winning second balls, and linking up brilliantly down both flanks. βοΈ
The decisive moment arrived down the right-hand side. Freya Elgie dropped deep to receive possession before playing a clever pass into Jessica Rae. Driving forward with purpose, Jessica powered through and calmly slotted beyond the goalkeeper to make it 3-1 and put the result beyond doubt. π―
The scoreline could easily have been even more convincing. Freya Elgie was denied from close range following an excellent double save from the Gartcairn goalkeeper, while Bonnie produced a superb run from the halfway line before seeing her effort come back off the near post.
Overall, it was a performance full of quality, determination, and teamwork from the Warriors, who fully deserved their victory. π«‘
Attention now turns to the final few fixtures before the summer break, with plenty more to come from this exciting group of players.
Finally, everyone at Stenhousemuir Girls U14s would like to wish Jessica Wilson a speedy recovery after suffering an unfortunate injury during the second half. We hope to see you back on the pitch soon, Jessica. β€οΈ
