Alloa Athletic Women suffered a 6-1 defeat away to Linlithgow Rose in their latest league outing, in a difficult afternoon that came during a week where the club also announced manager Allan Milne will leave his role at the end of the season.

The hosts made a fast start and raced into an early two-goal lead before Alloa responded midway through the first half. Maxine Simpson delivered an excellent free-kick into the area which was turned home by a trialist to pull the Wasps back to 2-1.

However, Linlithgow Rose responded strongly and a flurry of well-worked goals saw the home side extend their advantage to 5-1 by half time.

Three changes at the break helped Alloa steady the ship, with Bailey Black causing problems throughout with her pace up top. Despite positive play, the visitors were unable to find another goal before Rose added a sixth with a long-range strike.

Madison Dunn also produced a superb goal-line clearance late on to prevent the scoreline from increasing further.

Alloa now turn their attention to their final league match of the season against West Park this Sunday at Recreation Park, with a 2pm kick-off. The side will then prepare for the cup final on Saturday, May 23 against Penicuik Athletic, also at Recreation Park with a 2pm start.

A disappointing afternoon but there were still positives to take from the second-half performance. The players kept working hard, showed good character after a tough first half, and now our full focus turns to finishing the league season strongly before preparing for the cup final.

Allan Milne

Alloa Athletic Women are set to host a special fixture this Sunday, May 3 (2pm KO), as they take on Glennifer Thistle in a match dedicated to raising awareness for meningitis and sepsis in partnership with Team Alexis Rose.

The match marks an important moment in the growing relationship between the club and Team Alexis Rose, which was founded by Alan Glynn in memory of his daughter, Alexis Rose. Alexis tragically passed away in 2011 at just 19 months old after suddenly contracting meningitis and sepsis. Born nearly three months early and weighing only 2lb 12oz, Alexis was known as a fighter from the very beginning, full of personality and determination throughout her short life.

For the past 15 years, Team Alexis Rose has worked tirelessly to educate the public on the signs and dangers of meningitis and sepsis, bringing communities together through exercise, challenges, and awareness initiatives. Always looking for new members, you can see their rose logo at events across the country and beyond.

Their partnership with Alloa Athletic Women began through the player sponsorship of midfielder Niamh Kinsella, and has since grown into a meaningful collaboration centered on community impact.

Sunday’s fixture will serve as a focal point for that partnership, with awareness activities taking place around the ground, including a dedicated stall where supporters can learn more about Team Alexis Rose’s work and how to recognise symptoms that could save lives.

Speaking ahead of the match, Niamh Kinsella said she is “incredibly proud” to be involved with the initiative, highlighting the importance of raising awareness:
“Collaborating with a passionate team driven by such purpose really highlights how powerful a community can be to educate others and potentially save lives. If sharing this message helps even one person recognise the signs and symptoms earlier, then it’s making a real difference.”

Manager Allan Milne echoed those sentiments, emphasising the club’s commitment to supporting meaningful causes:
“We are really looking forward to the game on Sunday. We want to play our part in the community and this is another great cause to support. Team Alexis Rose have been a fantastic partner for us and by raising this awareness at the game, we hope it makes a big difference.”

Alan Glynn also expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, stating:
“We are delighted to be in partnership with Alloa Athletic Women to raise vital awareness of meningitis and sepsis through the power of football.”

With the message that “alone, we can do so little, together we can do so much,” Sunday’s match promises to be more than just football. It offers an opportunity for the community to come together, support a vital cause, and honour the memory of Alexis Rose in a meaningful and impactful way.

In memory of Alexis Rose, 19 months
15/07/2009- 05/02/2011

History was made at a packed Recreation Park as Alloa Athletic Women booked their place in their first ever cup final with a commanding 3–0 win over Jeanfield Swifts Women.

With mascots, a small-sided game for local kids led by cup-tied players, and a buzzing community atmosphere, it felt like more than just a match as hundreds of supporters descended to the ground for kick-off.

The visitors started brightly and carved out the first real chance, forcing a free-kick effort that was well dealt with by Rachel Docherty, who would go on to have an outstanding afternoon between the sticks.

Alloa soon settled. Amy Cully delivered a dangerous ball into the box, with Bailey Black inches away from making contact as the Wasps began to apply pressure.

The breakthrough came from a set-piece. Jenna Woods’ corner caused problems, and Mia Hutcheson was perfectly placed at the back post to turn home. It marked an impressive run of form for Hutcheson, netting her fifth goal in six games.

Swifts responded well after the water break, but Alloa continued to control proceedings. Rihanna McMinimee, Rachael Whyte, and Chloe McNaught all entered the action, with McNaught making a welcome return after a long injury layoff.

The impact was immediate. On 53 minutes, McMinimee linked play superbly, finding Emily Gray, who teed up Jenna Woods to fire across goal and into the far corner to double Alloa’s lead.

Swifts pushed to get back into the game and nearly halved the deficit with a dangerous cross flicked toward goal, but Docherty reacted sharply to make another crucial save.

Later, in the 75th minute, the visitors had another fantastic opportunity, but Niven’s powerful strike was brilliantly tipped behind by the Alloa keeper.

Alloa sealed the victory in style. Emily Gray came close with a saved effort, but from the resulting corner, substitute Lauren Docherty rose well to glance a header home, her first goal for the club, sparking celebrations among the home support.

At full-time, the 3–0 scoreline confirmed a historic achievement: Alloa Athletic Women are heading to their first-ever cup final. They will face Penicuik Athletic Women, who defeated Buckie Thistle Women 4–2 in the other semi-final.

The final will take place on May 24th at Recreation Park setting the stage for what promises to be another unforgettable day for the club and its community.

Manager Allan Milne expressed his gratitude and pride after the game:

“That victory is something incredibly special for this group of players and Alloa as a whole, club and community”

“You look in the stands and you see it full, with supporters lined up towards Hawkhill Road. There’s a real sense of excitement about the team and the journey we are”

“I couldn’t be prouder of what the players have achieved so far. They have come back after Christmas with the bit between their teeth and it’s been a joy to see them progress. Today is a team effort, those on the park, those injured and cup-tied, we are all pulling in the same direction to create history.”

“Want to thank everyone who was there today for their fantastic support. With the final being in Alloa, we hope that May is another special day for everyone with a great turn-out.”

“We enjoy this moment now and celebrate but very quickly we get back to work with four big league games before the final.”

Alloa Athletic Women continued their impressive run of form, securing a third consecutive victory with a commanding 5–0 win over Drumchapel United in the SWFL Central/West league.

The Wasps began on the front foot, applying early pressure, and it was striker Nicole Smith who opened the scoring in spectacular fashion. Rachael Whyte found Smith 35 yards, she turned sharply before unleashing an unstoppable strike beyond the goalkeeper.

The hosts doubled their lead just four minutes later, as Amy Cully capitalised on a defensive error to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Cully came close to adding a third soon after, only to be denied by a fine save and then the crossbar in quick succession.

Five minutes before the break, Allan Milne’s side extended their advantage through Mia Hutcheson. Lucy Burnett’s well-delivered free-kick found the midfielder, who made no mistake to claim her third goal of the season.

Alloa struck again just a minute later to make it 4–0. Sammie Gray showed excellent pace down the wing before cutting the ball back for captain Devyn Thompson, who fired a stunning first-time effort into the far corner.

The second half began with chances at both ends. Andrews produced a smart low save to her right to deny Mullen, while Smith came close again for the hosts, her effort drifting narrowly wide.

Alloa added a fifth through Cully, who grabbed her second of the afternoon. After a well-worked move, Thompson slipped a precise pass through to the forward, who finished confidently.

Drumchapel were handed a late opportunity for a consolation goal when Andrews was penalised for a challenge in the box. However, she redeemed herself with an excellent penalty save from Mullen, with the rebound fired over the bar.

The clean sheet capped off a dominant performance for Allan Milne’s side, who carry strong momentum into a crucial week.

It was a really impressive outing for us this afternoon. The girls showed real quality at times and we scored five great goals.

That’s now three in a row we have won, it’s a good time to find momentum as we go into the business end of the season.

Next week is huge for the football club with our semi-final. It’ll be another hard fixture but we have to take confidence from the last month.

Allan Milne

Alloa Athletic Women now turn their attention to their first semi-final as they take on Jeanfield Swifts at home on Sunday, April 19 (2pm KO), in the ScottishPower Regional Plate.

Be there to support the team as they look to make more history.

Alloa Athletic Women claimed another impressive victory on Sunday, securing a 1–0 win away to Cumbernauld United.

The hosts began the day top of the table, but a disciplined and professional display from the Wasps earned a vital three points for Allan Milne’s side and saw United knocked off top spot.

With severe weather sweeping across the country, the fixture was delayed by two hours and switched to Broadwood at late notice. Despite the disruption, Alloa adapted quickly and started on the front foot, immediately putting the hosts under pressure.

Their bright start paid off inside six minutes. Maxine Simpson showed great awareness to step in and win possession, sparking a swift counter-attack. Mia Hutcheson then threaded a pass through to Amy Cully, who weaved her way past defenders before curling a superb effort into the bottom corner from outside the box.

Alloa continued to threaten, with Cully again at the heart of the attack as she released Lucy Burnett down the right. Burnett closed in on goal but fired narrowly wide under pressure.

Cumbernauld United responded before the break and created a couple of chances of their own. Frankie Fern found space in behind the defence but was denied by an excellent save from Rachel Docherty.

Conditions eased in the second half, and Alloa looked composed as they managed the game effectively. Docherty commanded her area well, while the defence limited the hosts to very few clear opportunities.

At the other end, Alloa remained a threat, with Hutcheson testing the goalkeeper with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.

Milne’s side stayed organised and resolute to see out the match and secure a deserved 1–0 victory — a result that underlined their strong form and growing momentum.

It is a huge result for us. To go away to the team top of the league, keep a clean sheet and get the victory is excellent for the girls.

We score a really good goal early on and then showed so much character as a team to win the game. They put everything into that and got what they deserved.

It shows how good this team can be, we have to take that confidence and momentum from the last few results into some big league and cup games now.

Allan Milne

The Wasps will enjoy a week off this before returning to league action at home on Sunday, April 12. They will face Drumchapel United at 2pm.

Alloa Athletic Women continued their strong run of form with an impressive 3–2 victory over Cumbernauld Colts at the Indodrill Stadium on Sunday.

Manager Allan Milne made several changes to the side, welcoming back cup-tied players Maxine Simpson, Niamh Kinsella and Sammie Gray, while Emma Allison returned in goal.

The Wasps made a blistering start under clear blue skies, taking the lead inside three minutes. Jenna Woods rattled the crossbar with a 25-yard free kick, and Mia Hutcheson reacted quickest to volley home the rebound — her third goal in as many games.

Cumbernauld nearly responded immediately, but former Alloa player Abbie Trotter fired narrowly wide. That miss proved costly, as Alloa doubled their advantage shortly after. A clever short corner routine between Amy Cully and Jenna Woods ended with Woods curling a superb effort into the far corner to make it 2–0.

The visitors continued to trouble Alloa as the game went from end-to-end. Jemma Hughes delivered a dangerous ball across the six-yard box, but crucial defending from Maxine Simpson against two oncoming Colts attackers preserved the lead.

Alloa extended their advantage from the penalty spot when Bailey Black was brought down in the box. Protests from the opposition bench resulted in a yellow card being branded to the coaching team. Jenna Woods blocked out the noise and confidently converted to grab her second of the match and make it 3–0.

Cumbernauld pulled one back before the break through an excellent long-range strike from Lindsay, sending the sides in at 3–1.

The second half was more evenly contested, with chances at both ends. The visitors reduced the deficit further when a well-worked move set up Halle McManus to score, making it 3–2 and setting up a tense finale.

As the pressure mounted, Alloa showed resilience and determination to see out the game, holding firm through ten minutes of added time to secure a valuable three points.

After the match, Milne praised his side’s performance:

Really happy with that result, it’s a big three points for us and carries on the momentum from last week.

First half we were clinical and scored some nice goals. Second half we showed our desire and defensive side.
Appreciate it wasn’t the prettiest of games but I’m proud of the team’s character. They showed a different side of them, rolled the sleeves up and battled for the win.

Allan Milne

The Wasps now travel to league leaders Cumbernauld United on Sunday, March 29, before a well earned break the following week.

Alloa Athletic Women’s side have reached the last four of the ScottishPower Regional League Plate with a resounding 7–0 victory away to Ardrossan Winton Juniors.

Following another comprehensive victory in the previous round away to Stonehaven, Allan Milne’s side made another lengthy journey as they looked to continue their cup run and create history for the club.

Winton Park was the venue and conditions shifted from storms to blue skies as Alloa looked to find the elusive opener.

It was the hosts who tested the goal first, but they were denied by a fine save from Rachel Docherty.

The Wasps began to settle into the game and take control. Fantastic link-up play on the left led to Rihanna McMinimee pulling the ball back for Mia Hutcheson to rifle home her first competitive goal and the opener.

Alloa had found their rhythm, with more one-touch link-up play feeding through to Bailey Black, who smashed home number two of the afternoon before the break.

With the game still finely poised at half-time, the visitors came out of the traps with a dominant second-half performance.

Amy Cully and Jenna Woods both got in on the act with a couple of well-worked goals to add to Alloa’s lead.

Star of the show was Bailey Black, who completed her hat-trick in the second half with two more powerful strikes. Great work from Cully saw her chase down a loose ball, and while what looked to be a penalty opportunity didn’t materialise, Black was on hand to pick up the scraps and fire into the top corner for the match ball.

The cherry on top came in the final five minutes with the pick of the strikes from Lucy Burnett. A corner was cleared to the edge of the box and Burnett’s effort was hit sweetly into the top corner.

It’s the first time an Alloa Athletic Women’s side has reached the semi-final of a cup competition — an achievement manager Allan Milne is proud of.

“We are delighted to reach the semi-final of the SWFL Plate. It’s the first time this club has made it to this stage of a cup competition and the players should be proud of that achievement.

“We had to deal with some adversity as a squad but credit to the players — they really stepped up in the second half and it was an excellent performance.

“Seven goals with no reply and multiple different scorers has to give us confidence going back into the league and, of course, into the semi-final when it comes around.”

The Wasps will find out their semi-final opponents this week, with Buckie Thistle, Jeanfield Swifts and Penicuik Athletic all in the draw.

The tie will be played on Sunday, April 19. Prior to that they will return to league action this Sunday (March 22, 2pm KO) against Cumbernauld Colts at home.

Alloa Athletic Women suffered defeat at the Grangemouth Stadium to Central Ladies 3-1 on Sunday.

Following a 40-minute delay to kick-off, proceedings eventually got underway and it was Central who began the stronger of the two sides.

The hosts would take the lead with a well driven cross into the box was converted by Eva Rule to make it 1-0. That advantage would be doubled in quick succession with a very similar goal, this time coming from the other side was tapped home to make it 2-0.

Half-time caused the visitors more cause for concern as Maxine Simpson and Jenna Woods were both forced off through injury and illness, they were to be replaced by Sophie Rupp and Rihanna McMinimee.

It was one of those substitutes that would give Allan Milne’s side a lifeline in the second period. A searching corner from Lucy Burnett was pinpoint to the feet of McMinimee who converted home with a smart finish to make it 2-1.

Despite pressure from Alloa, the hosts would strike back once again. Rachel Docherty denied the first effort at goal but Central’s latest signing Estelle McKechnie was there to pounce on the rebound to restore the two goal advantage.

It ended in defeat for the Wasps but the big games keep coming as they look to end the season on a high.

The team will play against Benburb in a friendly at the Indodrill Stadium on Tuesday, March 10 (7:45pm KO), which fans will be welcome and the Pie Hut open. That prepares Allan Milne’s squad for a SWFL Regional League Plate quarter final tie away to Ardrossan Winton Rovers on Sunday, March 15.

We are really disappointed with the Central game. Unfortunately, we didn’t hit the levels that we have seen from this squad.

It is a massive week for us and it is good we have a friendly to look to bounce back in before the quarter-final. We need to dust ourselves down, stick together and go again.

Allan Milne

Alloa Athletic Women returned to winning ways with a 7-0 victory over Carron Huskies at the Indodrill Stadium.

The Wasps controlled proceedings from the opening minute and created a couple of chances to take the lead early in the game.

Amy Cully, in her first game back after a stint in Australia, opened the scoring after 11 minutes, converting a Neve McGuigan cross to mark her birthday with the perfect return.

For much of the first half, Carron Huskies remained resolute, defending their box well to deny Alloa the chance to add to their lead. Mia Hutcheson, Neve McGuigan and Jenna Woods all came close to doubling the hosts’ advantage.

With four minutes until half-time, Alloa found the elusive second goal as Jenna Woods danced her way into the box before Bailey Black slid the ball home to make it 2-0.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with the Wasps moving the ball nicely in a bid to create more chances in front of goal. Eight minutes after the restart, they were rewarded for their positive start as Niamh Kinsella fired across the goalkeeper for her first goal for the club and Alloa’s third of the afternoon.

A flurry of chances followed once again with the woodwork and Huskies’ goalkeeper preventing further damage.

The arrival of Nicole Smith, Sammie Gray and Lucy Burnett gave Alloa fresh legs as they looked to extend their lead, and it did not take long for another couple of quickfire goals to follow.

Jenna Woods smashed home an unstoppable effort from outside the area to make it 4-0 and claim her 12th of the season, before Emily Gray poked home from a corner to score her first competitive goal for the club and Alloa’s fifth of the day.

Alloa pressed until the very end, looking to improve their goal difference, and did so with a stoppage time brace from Sammie Gray. Her first was a cool and composed finish after beating the offside trap, and she bettered it a minute later by lobbing Fullerton in goal to make it 7-0.

All in all, a productive day for Allan Milne’s side with six different scorers and a clean sheet to match. The Wasps now travel to Central on Sunday, March 8, with just goal difference between the sides.

It was really important that we bounced back from our first defeat of the year last weekend with a strong victory and performance.

As a manager, it is so pleasing to see the way we move the ball and create opportunities. There is things to work on in that final third to take it to the next level but overall, it is a really positive performance.

We have a really competitive squad and you seen that today with a strong starting eleven and then every substitute having a big impact on the game. To have these options and everyone firing will be vital in a big few months ahead.

Allan Milne