Kirkliston 5-3 Ladywell
28th March 2026
Ladywell made the short journey along the M8 on a bright spring morning, a sharp wind cutting across the pitch as they faced Kirkliston in their latest Brian Latto Cup group clash. Conditions set the tone early brisk, tense, and fiercely contested.
The opening 20 minutes offered little in the way of clear chances, with both sides locked in a midfield battle. Kirkliston tried their luck from distance, but never truly threatened, while Ladywell responded in kind, efforts drifting wide as neither side could find rhythm or breakthrough.
The first real scare came from a Kirkliston corner, a looping header destined for the far post before Stevie Bowyer produced a vital clearance off the line, an early reminder of how fine the margins would be.
On 35 minutes, Ladywell found that breakthrough. A Jack Douglas corner caused chaos in the box, ricocheting through a crowd before Stephen arrived late to smash home. 1–0, and a moment that felt like it might just tilt the balance.
That hope almost doubled moments later. James Cook otherwise known as “Cookie” raced through on goal straight from kickoff, forcing a superb save before pouncing on the rebound only to be hauled down by the keeper. Shouts for a clear penalty were waved away, a decision that would soon loom large.
Within minutes, Kirkliston were level. Breaking quickly up the park, and slotted calmly into the far corner past Declan to make it 1–1 on 38 minutes. A frustrating turnaround from what felt like a stonewall opportunity at the other end.
Just before the break, Jack Douglas again sparked danger, flashing a ball across goal that somehow evaded everyone. The whistle blew soon after: 1–1, nothing between the sides, but a sense Ladywell might have deserved more.
The second half began with immediate pressure from Kirkliston. A series of corners caused panic, and after Ladywell initially cleared their lines, a miskicked effort looped awkwardly into the net to give Kirkliston a 2–1 lead. A scrappy goal, but no less painful.
Ladywell responded with urgency. Adam Yorke surged forward on a brilliant run, leaving defenders trailing before squaring for Walker, who could only find the side netting with the goal at his mercy. It was one of those moments. So close, yet so costly.
Chances continued to come. A free kick from 23 yards drifted through bodies without a touch, while another dangerous ball from Jack Douglas saw Yorkie fire just wide. The pressure was building, the belief still there.
Changes followed, and with them renewed energy. The game turned frantic, end to end, tackles flying in, decisions debated. A moment of controversy saw a Kirkliston player, already on a booking, handle a goal-bound effort without further punishment.
Still, Ladywell pushed on. Eventually, the pressure told. In a scramble inside the box, Yorkie lifted the ball, struck the post on the volley, and Jack Duncan reacted quickest to tap home. 2–2, and game very much on.
Momentum seemed to swing again, especially when Kirkliston were reduced to 10 men after a second yellow. But football rarely follows a script.
A controversial penalty was awarded to Kirkliston, and they converted to go 3–2 ahead. Ladywell, however, refused to fold. Soon after, a handball at the other end gave them a penalty of their own. Mark kept his composure amid distractions from the keeper to slot home for 3–3 though even then, tempers flared as he was kicked whilst retrieving the ball, with only a yellow shown.
It was breathless, chaotic, and emotionally draining.
Kirkliston regained the lead through what looked like a hopeful swing that somehow found the net 4–3. Ladywell threw everything forward in response, chasing the game with determination, but were caught on the break late on as Kirkliston added a fifth.
Final score: 5–3.
A result that left Ladywell stunned. There was so much to take spirit, chances created, resilience but equally so much to rue. Decisions, missed opportunities, and moments of misfortune all played their part.
Yet despite the frustration, hope remains. The group is still alive, and if this performance showed anything, it’s that Ladywell have the fight and the quality to respond.
Goals from –
Stevie Burns
Jack Duncan
Mark Kincaid
MOTM – Mark Kincaid
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