The Stirling school’s under-18 footballers will face Grove Academy from Dundee in the final of the Scottish Shield at the Falkirk Stadium (kick-off 8pm).
Last year, a dramatic last-gasp 1-0 victory over St Ninian’s High from Giffnock saw them lift the trophy for the first time at Hampden – the first time the final had been hosted at the national stadium.
Hundreds of fans from Stirling got behind them on that occasion and the girls are hoping for another big turnout to help inspire them to victory and silverware success.
Head coach Rachel Whillans is Principal Teacher at Wallace High’s School of Sport, which was launched in November 2012 and now supports its pupils’ potential in football, rugby, swimming, dance and basketball.
Special group of players
She said: “I am incredibly proud of my team, who have faced an incredible challenge this season to reach the final, for the second consecutive year.
“As the cup holders, it would have been easy to be complacent but this group of girls have such a good attitude, and combined with their work ethic and determination, they have overcome every challenge that has come their way.”
This included a sensational comeback success in the semi-final against St Mungo's High at the Falkirk Stadium. Trailing 5-1 with 10 minutes left on the clock, they scored four goals in the last 10 minutes to level the game before winning 4-3 win on penalties.
Rachel continued: “It has been a tough run, facing some excellent opposition but this is a special group of players, who I have every confidence in. The semi-final epitomised their spirit. They have one final match to go and we will prepare correctly and give it everything on the night.
“I would personally like to say a huge thank you to our Head Teacher Scott Pennock and the Wallace staff who have supported the girls all the way, as well as the parents and carers who have supported every match, together with the match officials and organisers. Finally, to my coaching team, Colin Burke, Emily Gray and Barry Wick (Goalkeeper coach) a huge thank you.
“We can't wait until the 9 May and hopefully we can bring the trophy home and make the whole Wallace community proud.”
Remarkably, it will be the third successive season for many of the squad to have reached the end-of-season showpiece.
The majority of the senior team played in the 2023 U15 final in Alloa, losing out narrowly 3-2 to Lasswade.
Five of the girls are still eligible for the U15s side who will contest the Scottish Shield Final against Braidhurst in June, highlighting the school’s incredible conveyer belt of success in girls’ football.
Memories that will last a lifetime
Head Teacher Scott Pennock said: “The girls have, once again, shown an outstanding attitude to reach the Scottish Cup Final and the chance to defend their trophy.
“Coming back from 5-1 down with ten minutes to go in the semi-final is truly one of the great achievements I have witnessed in school sport. It typifies their amazing spirit and I wish them all the best in the final – another occasion for them to make memories that will last a lifetime'."
Incredible achievement
Convener of Stirling Council’s Children and Young People Committee, Cllr Danny Gibson said: “Reaching three finals in a row is an incredible achievement for the team and the coaching staff, and I would like to wish the girls all the best for the final at the Falkirk Stadium.
“From their journey to the final, there is no question about their talent, togetherness and resilience, so I’m sure they can bring the silverware back to Stirling on Friday night.”
Great occasion
Lord Provost Elaine Watterson said: “The girls’ fantastic feats in the competition last year inspired us all. The team has already done Stirling and their school community proud, but it would be wonderful if they could get their hands on the trophy again.
“It will be a great occasion for both schools, so please come along to the Falkirk Stadium and show your support for these incredible young women as they bid to repeat their Hampden heroics.”
Wallace High launched its School of Sport in November 2012 and now supports its pupils’ potential in football, rugby, swimming, dance and basketball.
Its coaching staff includes local football legend Jimmy Bone, a Godfather of the Scottish game who played as a striker for clubs including Partick Thistle, Celtic, St Mirren and Hearts, winning two caps for Scotland.
Jimmy was a member of the fabled Partick Thistle team that defeated Celtic 4-1 in the League Cup final at Hampden in 1971 and he was also assistant manager to Alex Smith when St Mirren won the Scottish Cup 1-0 against Dundee United at the national stadium in 1987.
Final: Friday 9 May at Falkirk Stadium at 8pm. Admission £6 for adults, £4 for concessions.
U18 Girls Scottish Shield – road to the final:
- 1st round vs St Margaret’s Academy (away) - 6-1
- 2nd round vs Mary Erskine School (home) 5-0
- 3rd round vs James Gillespie's (home) 3-1
- 4th round vs Lasswade (away) 4-2
- Semi-final vs St Mungo's academy (Falkirk Stadium) - 5-5 (4-3 win on penalties)
Wallace Girls Squad:
Lucy Macnair, Lauren Grassie, Jen Ralston (co-captain), Madison Macneill, Annie Robertson, Beth Watson, Mia Mitchell, Abby McMillan, Clara Whitby, Rebecca Simpson, Sophie Timlin (co-captain), Gia Johal, Nieve Wick, Eva Gardner, Lacey Hilson, Daisy Jamieson and Alex Montgomery.