Alloa Athletic Women lost out in the final game of the year to Central Ladies 5-4.

It was the visitors who took an early lead with Lindsey Blues breaking the deadlock ten minutes in.

The Wasps would bite back immediately with Chloe McNaught rifling her first league goal of the season to draw the sides level.

A game that went back and forth in the early stages continued as three minutes later Blair McAlpine restored Central’s lead. Two minutes after that, Alloa were level once again as the goals rained down at a sodden Recreation Park. Katelyn Devine scored her first goal for the club with a thunderous effort past the Central goalkeeper.

Isla Roberts once again put Central ahead before half-time. They would go close to doubling their lead but a fine stop from Madison Dunn, standing in as goalkeeper, denied them a fourth.

Haiden Russell converted a quick counter-attack as the visitors found the fourth goal in the early stages of the second half. However, the Wasps were not down and out as Rihanna McMinimee picked up space behind the Central defence to bring the deficit back to one as the game went 4-3.

The hosts found themselves hard done by as Sammie Gray converted a rebound, an opportunity that looked onside to the naked eye but was ruled offside by the referee.

Central would get that fifth goal with 20 minutes to go as Leah Kirk found the back of the net.

A spirited Alloa team, who were missing several key players, did not give up and Bailey Black on her return to the side gave the Wasps a lifeline to make it 5-4 in the final ten minutes.

Despite sustained pressure in the late stages of the game, Central remained resolute and came away with the three points.

The year ended in defeat for Alloa as Central secured all three points. With plenty to play for in 2026, the team will be back in action on January 18. Friendly details during the break are to be confirmed.

We are disappointed not take to anything from the game today.

In tough conditions with mitigating factors, I can’t fault the players’ effort and application. We, of course, are disappointed in the goals we concede but we have lots to play for next year and we need to build on the positives.

It is important that we use this break to work on things as a group and look to have a positive start to 2026.

Allan Milne