Wallace High Girls bid again for Scottish Cup glory
People across Stirling are being urged to cheer on Wallace High Senior Girls on Friday night (9 May) as they bid to retain the Scottish Cup.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 7 May 2025 14:05
Wallace High Senior Girls 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.
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.
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'.
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.”
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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Young people at HMP & YOI Polmont crown top dog in Stirling
Young people at HMP & YOI Polmont crown ‘Captain Chaos’ Layton as Stirling’s top dog in Thistles’ photography competition
READ MORE
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Stirling Visitor Levy Scheme approved
Stirling Council has approved a visitor levy scheme that will enable major new investment in the area’s tourism offering.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Go Forth Stirling announce Longlist for 2026 Stirling Business Awards
The Go Forth team has announced the longlist for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards as voting begins to choose the winners of the annual honours.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Young Stirlingshire golfers follow in footsteps of Ryder Cup heroes
Two young golfers from Stirlingshire are aiming to make history in Portugal in December when they tee off in the 2025 Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship at Quinta do Lago.
READ MORE
Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Bridge of Allan restaurant launches festive feast Take Home Christmas Box
The Meadowpark, one of Bridge of Allan’s most popular family restaurants, is bringing the magic of festive dining to homes around Stirling this Christmas.
READ MORE
Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
BID Launches Drop In Business Hour Session for Stirling Business Community
Go Forth Stirling has launched a new initiative for the city’s business community giving them the opportunity to consult with the BID team and other partners.
READ MORE
Residents and businesses invited to Forthside project drop in event
A drop-in session is being held on Friday (21 November) for local residents and businesses to learn more about the major redevelopment at Forthside.
READ MORE
Residents and businesses across Stirling urged to get ready for winter
Residents and businesses across Stirling are being urged to get ready for the impacts of wintry weather as the council steps up its preparations to keep people safe in adverse conditions.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links