Hello and welcome back to another edition of Warriors Weekly. It’s been a hectic week in terms of games and you can read all about it below!
Stenhousemuir FC vs Dundee West
For the first home game of the season, Warriors Head Coach Jack Cameron had 14 players available for selection.
New signing Nimi Ahira started on the bench while Carolanne Phee and Shantel Paterson who were missing last week, came into the team to replace Lucy Sullivan and Leah Jones who were both unavailable for today’s game. This formed a Starting XI of Toni Harkness in goal, Jude Connolly, Shantel Paterson, Rachel Vickerman and Phee in defence. Clare Wilson moved up from last week into the midfield alongside captain Erin Wilson, Samantha Montgomery and trialist Zoë Richard-Campbell. Up front was Eva Ralston and Eirinn Maguire.
From the whistle the Warriors took control of the game and began applying pressure with Shantel Paterson hitting a hopefull shot just inside Dundee West’s half 40 seconds into the match.
The Warriors win an early corner 1 minute into the match after a through ball from Eva Ralston cuts open the Dundee defence and Samantha Montgomery gets on the end of it and has her cross knocked out of play. The resulting corner skiffs the head of Vickerman before bouncing straight through.
Erin Maguire presses the Dundee centre back and wins the ball 3 minutes into the match and gets off a rocket of a shot that bounces off the bar. Minutes after after Carolanne Phee drops in a delicious cross that finds the feet of Ralston who just smashes it wide.
GOAL: Carolane Phee plays a pass to the Dundee Winger before taking it straight back, she fires it dow the wing to Zoë Richard-Campbell who places it into Eva Ralston. Some quick feet help her check it away from the defenders and she smashes it in off the post! STENHOUSEMUIR WOMEN FC 1-0 DUNDEE WEST [Ralston 7 minutes]
GOAL: Straight from kick off Dundee pass the ball back to their centre back, Ralston closes her down and steals it, then smashes it straight into the net for her second goal in a minute! STENHOUSEMUIR WOMEN FC 2-0 DUNDEE WEST [Ralston 8 minutes]
The game has been all Stenny pressure. Ralston has another chance after a corner bounces back to her outside the box as she bounces it into the keepers arms.
It takes 12 minutes before the Warriors keeper Toni Harkness is called into action as a chipped ball lobs the defence but the keeper is able to easily come out and collect.
The next 5 minutes becomes a bit scrappy as a few slack Stenny passes allow Dundee the chance to grow a little more confidence in the game.
Dundee West break down the right wing but the attack fizzles out as Erin Wilson sweeps across and picks up the ball. The Warriors immediatley counter as Zoë Richard-Campbell turns and play Ralston in one-on-one with the keeper who does an incredible job of saving the shot.
GOAL: From the resulting corner Erin Wilson fires the ball right into Vickerman who nods it down into the net! STENHOUSEMUIR WOMEN FC 3-0 DUNDEE WEST [Vickerman 17 minutes]
Dundee West manage a little more posession as they try and grow into the game but it seems the early goals have knocked their confidence. Stenny seem to be winning every 50/50 and tackle and Dundee are giving the ball back at every opportunity.
Its wave after wave of attack from Stenny with chances from everyone. Through balls, lobbed passes and quick turns are splitting the Dundee defense.
Dundee almost beat the press and attempt to break down the right wing but fantastic covering from Clare Wilson ensure they stay hemmed in.
There are four stenny players at all times pressing the Dundee West back line. They are totally overrun and the most they have offered in terms of posession is long clearances which are being constantly picked up by Stenny defenders.
Dundee manage to get a few throw ins down the left hand side touchline before winning a corner. The resulting corner flies straight out of play. That sums up Dundee’s first half so far.
The stenny shot count is easily into double figures as Maguire, Ralston and Richard-Campbell all take turns hitting various efforts. A combination of fantastic saves from the Dundee West keeper and poor shots are the only reason the scoreline remains 3-0.
HALF TIME: Stenhousemuir Women FC 3-0 Dundee West
The second half starts in a similar fashion however Dundee West seem to be holding the ball a bit more comfortably as they manage a few chances early on.
A double chance for the Warriors comes 4 minutes into the second half. Erin Wilson smashes the ball off the post and Zoë Richard-Campbell hits the resulting rebound straight over the bar.
SUBSTITUTION: Nimi Ahira comes on to make her debut for the club as Carolanne Phe is withdrawn. Paterson is pushed out to left back and Clare Wilson drops into centre back so Nimi can slot into the midfield.
GOAL: Almost an immediate impact for Nimi Ahira as she is involved in the goal. She takes the ball in the Warriors half, runs about 10 yards and slots it into Eva Ralston, who feeds it into Eirinn Maguire. She makes no mistakes and places it into the back of the net! STENHOUSEMUIR WOMEN FC 4-0 DUNDEE WEST [Maguire 55 minutes]
Dundee West begin to apply a little more pressure now. They are hitting in a few balls that are making the defence work hard.
Charlene Campbell from Dundee West goes into the referees book after performing a karate chop to Vickerman’s throat. Questions asked about wether it was enough to be considered violent conduct because of the force and the intent.
GOAL: An own goal a mere minute later. Laura-Anne Johnston plays a great lob pass to Amanda Primrose who chips the keeper. Vickerman chased the ball back and almost manages to clear it off the line but it ends up smashing into the roof of the net. It sadly has to go down as an own goal. STENHOUSEMUIR WOMEN FC 4-1 DUNDEE WEST [Vickerman (OG) 69 minutes]
SUBSTITUTION: A few minutes later Jack Cameron decides to make a change as he brings on the remaining subs on his bench. Sarah Dolan and Chloe Pearson come on to replace Zoë Richard-Campbell and Samantha Montgomery.
GOAL: Erin Wilson plays a ball out to Jude Connolly who runs down the right side of the box and smashes it into the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Erin Wilson with her second assist of the match! STENHOUSEMUIR WOMEN FC 5-1 DUNDEE WEST [Connolly 79 minutes]
Nimi Ahira goes down outside the Dundee box and has to be withdrawn. The Warriors are down to 10 players for the remaining 8 minutes.
Despite being down to 10 players the Warriors still seem to be in control of the match. Chances come from both sides but none of any major note.
FULL TIME: Stenhousemuir Women FC 5-1 Dundee West
WarriorsTV spoke with Jack Cameron and Jude Connolly following the match. Click on their names to watch their interviews!
You can also check out the highlights from the match HERE!
Following Sunday’s results, the Warriors currently sit top of the table on goal difference!
The side are back in action this Sunday as they make the short trip to Grangemouth to take on Falkirk. It’s a table topping derby and it’s sure to be a good game.
Kick off is at 3pm and admission is by donation at the gate! Get yourself along and back the Warriors!
Additionally, we might have some signing news over the next week so keep an eye out on our socials!
Our men’s side have played two games since we last spoke, you can find the match reports and links to highlights and interviews below.
Stenhousemuir vs Dumbarton
Swifty made 5 changes from the team that started in last week’s loss in Stirling.
Scott Walker, Nicky Jamieson, Mikey Anderson, Euan O’Reilly and Tam Orr all come into the starting XI while Dan Higgins sits out with his 1 match suspension.
Stenhousemuir started the game strong and Matty Yates found himself in a promising position in the box. But as he ran between 2 defenders, he feel to ground in what the referee judged to be simulation and booked the striker.
The home side picked up a flurry of corners on the 12 minutes with the first couple causing issues. The third of the pack was cleared by the defence.
15 minutes played and the Visitors are happy to sit back and allow The Warriors to play without pressing
Dumbarton had perhaps the first good chance of the match with a 25 yard free kick. Joseph McKee stepped up and thundered his free kick towards goal. The wall done its job though and stood firm allowing Nicky Jamieson to complete the clearance.
That kicked the visitors into life and Conor Brennan made a good save on 26 minutes to keep the score at 0-0
The visitors had another free kick shortly after, but again, the wall stood firm.
GOAL: It was the visitors that took the lead directly from a corner on 32 minutes. Conor Brennan went to claim the corner but it looks like it may have taken a nick off Tam Orr which has deflected the ball into the net. STENHOUSEMUIR 0-1 DUMBARTON [Blair 33 minutes]
That goal allowed the visitors to grow in confidence and started to press the home side a bit more but the second half was played out with no further chances for either side.
HALF TIME: STENHOUSEMUIR 1-0 DUMBARTON
Dumbarton started the half one the front foot and are pressing higher than the first half with the Warriors still struggling to create any chances.
GOAL: The pressure paid off for the Visitors as a long throw is not defended well by the hosts and Martin McNiff pops up to poke the ball home. STENHOUSEMUIR 0-2 DUMBARTON [McNiff 53 minutes]
That goal just allowed the visitors to sit back and absorb some pressure but, again, Stenhousemuir just have never found the final ball.
SUBSTITUTION: Callum Yeats, Tam Orr and Mikey Anderson all make way for Will Sewell, Ross Forbes and Adam Corbett.
The Warriors had their first shot on target on 66 minutes when Adam Corbett drove towards goal with the ball before firing a shot straight at Brett Long.
GOAL: Some good pressure from the home side ended in a one two between O’Reilly and Brown with the former drilling the ball home through Long’s legs to pull 1 back. STENHOUSEMUIR 1-2 DUMBARTON [O’Reilly 71 minutes]
That goal has lifted the crowd and now it’s the home side that’s piling on the pressure.
Sean Crighton almost had the Warriors level just 4 minutes later but a good defensive header cleared the ball off the line.
The Warriors are now playing with confidence and for the first time, causing some serious problems to the visiting defence. Ross Forbes was next up and his 25 yard drive went inches past the post.
With 5 minutes to Dumbarton almost restored their 2 goal league but Conor Brennan was able to make a smart save to keep The Warriors in the game.
GOAL: The Warriors were carved open at the back as they pushed for an equaliser. Conor Brennan saved Gray’s first attempt, but could do nothing as the midfielder cooly finished from the rebound. STENHOUSEMUIR 1-3 STENHOUSEMUIR [Finlay Gray, 90 minutes]
FULL TIME: STENHOUSEMUIR 1-3 DUMBARTON
Post Match Interviews with Stephen Swift and Euan O’Reilly can be found be clicking on their names.
Highlights from Saturday’s game can be found HERE!
Elgin City vs Stenhousemuir
Stephen Swift rotated his squad for the Round 2 match against Elgin City.
Jay Cantley made his 2nd start for The Warriors in goals. Dan Higgins was brought back into the starting XI following his 1 match suspension and Adam Corbett also returned. Scott Walker and Nicky Jamieson completed the back 4.
Craig Bryson and Mikey Anderson took the mantle of the two holding midfielders with Euan O’Reilly, Niyah Joseph and Ross Forbes playing just behind Will Sewell who led the line.
The Warriors started strong with Euan O’Reilly driving forward in the 2nd minute. He opted for the shot when perhaps laying it off wide to Corbett was the better option. The shot was good though and the defence stood up at the expense of the first corner of the half. Ross Forbes whipped in the resultant corner and an Adam Corbett overhead kick went inches over the bar.
Will Sewell almost broke through on 7 minutes but the keeper was able to head the ball outside his box. That drove the visitors to push on and runs from O’Reilly and Sewell causing problems with the home defence resulting in the latter driving a shot across goal which just went past the post. Niyah Joseph also had a shot form the edge of the box, but the keeper was able to scramble across his line to save.
The first 15 minutes have been mainly played win the home half. The attacking paring of O’Reilly and Sewell have caused lots of problems for the home defence but The Warriors have yet to find that final touch.
Into the 19th minute and Elgin have the best chance of the match so far, Jay Cantley made a smart save though down to his right to deny the opening goal.
Less than 3 minutes later, Will Sewell had another good chance with a glancing header that just drifted wide of the post.
26 minutes gone and The Warriors are chapping at the door. Craig Bryson picked out Will Sewell down the left with an inch perfect pass, the striker fired the ball across the goal, but there were no takers for the visitors. A minute later, Euan Reilly had another shot on goal, this time forcing a strong save from Habon in the home goal.
GOAL: As the hosts made a break forward, the Stenhousemuir defence were claiming offside as Hester broke through on goal. Jay saved the first shot, but was beaten by the 2nd. ELGIN CITY 1-0 STENHOUSEMUIR [Hester 29 minutes]
Difficult one for The Warriors to take as they’ve definitely been the better side so far in this match.
GOAL: Another poor piece of set-piece defending as The Warriors are caught out by a deep free kick which was met at the back post by Dolzanski who looped a header over the helpless Cantley. ELGIN CITY 2-0 STENHOUSEMUIR [Dolzanski 33 minutes]
The Warriors looked to bounce back quick and a stinging shot by Joseph almost caught out Hoban, but the keeper pushed wide for a corner, which was easily cleared.
The 2 goals have burst the home side into life and their confidence is growing as the half goes on.
It was almost 3-0 on 42 minutes, but Jay Cantley was able to prevent a goal from a direct free kick.
HALF TIME: ELGIN CITY 2-0 STENHOUSEMUIR
Double change for The Warriors during the break with Sean Crighton and Nat Wedderburn replacing Nicky Jamieson and Mikey Anderson. The Warriors look to move to 3 at the back for the 2nd half.
The Warriors looked to start the second in similar fashion to the first, but still failing to find that killer touch.
GOAL: Just as The Warriors are starting to threaten more and more, Craig Bryson is caught in possession in the middle of the park. Dingwall was able to receive the ball and neatly finished beyond Jay Cantley to give the hosts a 3 goal lead. ELGIN CITY 3-0 STENHOUSEMUIR [Dingwall 58 minutes]
Any chance of The Warriors getting back into the match seem to have been wiped away.
SUBSTITUTION: Euan O’Reilly and Niyah Joseph make way for Adam Brown and Matty Yates on 60 minutes as Stephen Swift tries to salvage something from this tie.
The Warriors did almost peg the hosts back immediately. Ross Forbes lofted a free kick in from the right hand side and a neat header from Will Sewell forced a good save from Hoban. That lead to a flurry of corners for the visitors, but none truly troubling the home defence.
SUBSTITUTION: Craig Bryson’s evening is over as he’s replaced by Tam Orr.
GOAL: Instant impact from last season’s top scorer! Another free kick from Forbes, a bit deeper this time, was laid off by Nat Wedderburn to Tam Orr who managed to slot home and maybe give The Warriors the slightest of hope for the remainder of the game. ELGIN CITY 3-1 STENHOUSEMUIR [Tam Orr 72 minutes]
The Warriors pushed for another that would’ve made the tie interesting. Matty Yates gave another good showing and perhaps looked the most likely to find the net, but it wasn’t to be.
FULL TIME: ELGIN CITY3-1 STENHOUSEMUIR
Another disappointing result for The Warriors who have now lost their last 4 matches, conceding 3 goals in each of the last 3 games.
Highlights from the cup game can be found HERE!
WarriorsTV spoke with Stephen Swift after the match and that can be found HERE!
It’s another away trip this weekend as we head to Station Park to take on Forfar Athletic. As always, our Match Preview will be available on the website from 12pm on Friday as Swifty and Adam Corbett will be looking ahead to Saturday’s fixture.
Admission for Saturday’s game is set at £14/9/5 and it costs £1 extra for a seat in the stand.
Supporters bus leaves Ochilview at 11:30am. Seats are priced at £20/10. Names to Andy McPhate as normal
For this week’s interview, we went with one of our own. If there’s a role at the club, he’s most likely done it. He never seems to be away from Ochilview (unless it’s for an away game). You’ve heard him on WarriorsTV. You’ve heard him at Ochilview. You’ve seen his tweets, a few have even went “viral”. He lives and breathes Stenhousemuir. It’s Reece Robertson!
A man of many roles, so we asked Reece what his main role within the club is:
“I’m part of the media team. I run the Twitter for matches and help conduct interviews before and after games when required.”
If you see a match update tweet from the Stenhousemuir FC account, it’s most likely Reece behind the Tweet, he told us his though process when creating a tweet from the action to it being posted:
“So I see the game as it goes on. I tweet out updates on goals, subs, near chances. I need to get it right so those keeping up to date through out tweets are kept informed the best I can.”
A few of his tweets have went, in his words, “viral”. Two tweets spring to mind, Bobby Linn’s penalty going into the sea at Gayfield and, more recently, the PieGate incident. How did Reece feel about those tweets getting a positive reaction?:
“Didn’t feel good as I got hit by a pie but the one with Linn was a good laugh. It didn’t actually go into the sea but BBC picked it up and we had a good laugh about it. I still wish to this day that they passed the pie to me instead of throwing it.”
Reece plays an integral part in the club’s outgoing content. If you’ve listened to a match reaction from the men’s team over the last 5 years, you’ve most likely heard Reece’s voice. Win, loss or draw, you’ve got to ask the questions:
“You’ve got to ask what the fans want at the end of the day and get as much information as possible. Luckily for us, Stephen Swift is informational and quite honest when talking to him, he doesn’t hold back on what he says. If we’re not good enough. he says it. On the other end though, if we’re good, he’ll say it.
It’s also good getting to know the players as you’re speaking to them on a regular basis. It’s also nice to find out how they feel things are going too from an on the pitch perspective.”
He originally got involved with the club in 2015 as he started coaching with Warriors In The Community:
“I saw an ad on Facebook and was interested. I messaged one of the socials looking to get involved. I started off volunteering before getting into paid work doing after school classes. Moved into taking one of the community teams and had a lot of enjoyment doing that.”
For the first time since the 2007/08 season, Scotland will have two teams take part in the Champions League Group Stages. Celtic qualified automatically as League winners, whilst Rangers were able to defeat PSV 3-2 on aggregate to advance to the Champions League Group Stage. Both sides will be in Pot 4 when the draw takes place later today at 5pm BST.
Another Scottish side will be in European Group Stage action this season too but what tournament is still to be determined. Hearts welcome Zurich to a sold-out Tynecastle later this evening as they look to overcome a 2-1 first leg defeat. Win and Hearts are in the Europa League, lose and they’ll enter the Europa Conference League.
