03/11/2025
Through to the Scottish Cup Final they go! These girls can definitely football ⚽️
Scottish Cup Semi-Final: Dundee United vs North Berwick Rockets
United met early at Tannadice to board the team coach to Kirkintilloch Park, where they faced North Berwick Rockets in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. The Rockets brought a large and noisy travelling support, creating a fantastic atmosphere for this crucial match.
It was a windy day, and the United girls knew they’d need to keep the ball on the ground and play their football. The opening 20 minutes were evenly matched, with both sides battling hard. North Berwick made it clear they weren’t just there to make up the numbers — they played with desire and determination, making life difficult for United despite the Terrors having the better of the early play.
On 25 minutes, United broke the deadlock. A defensive clearance bounced kindly for Robyn, who flicked it through to Izzy. She was quick onto it, one-on-one with the keeper, and made no mistake — thumping the ball into the bottom-right corner. 1–0 United.
United continued to press. Aislin struck well from the edge of the box, but the Rockets keeper held firm. Coogs, who was having a fantastic game, worked hard to win the ball and feed Mia out wide. Her cross was dangerous, but again the keeper dealt with it well.
A rare lapse at the back saw United fail to clear their lines, and the Berwick number nine pounced — skipping past Poppy and sending in a low cross that deflected off a defender and into the United net. 1–1, and all to play for.
Just before halftime, Ella Coogan showed great composure in midfield to set up Mia for a powerful effort from the edge of the box, but it flew just wide. The sides went into the break level at 1–1.
The girls weren’t fazed by the scoreline — they knew they were the better team, but they’d have to earn their place in the final. From the restart, United pressed hard. Aislin won the ball in midfield and played a brilliant pass into the box for Mia, whose shot was saved yet again by the excellent Berwick keeper.
Olivia then released Mia down the line. She beat her defender and crossed for Coogs, whose strike drifted just wide. From a corner, Ella King rose well but her header couldn’t quite find the target.
Berwick had put in a huge shift but United could see they were beginning to tire. Some slick play between Robyn and Katie down the right saw Katie drive to the byline and cross — Mia’s shot finding only the side netting.
United needed a spark of magic — and with ten minutes to go, it came. Gracie latched onto a loose ball and played a neat pass to Mia 35 yards out. She caught it sweetly, the strike flying into the top corner — unstoppable. The United support erupted. 2–1 United!
The girls kept their composure, playing some lovely football. It was great to see Isobel Piper back after a long spell out, dictating play in midfield. She went close with a long-range effort that skimmed past the post.
As the clock ticked down, Pipes played a superb pass down the line for Katie Black. Katie delivered into the box, and Robyn — with great control — found a yard of space and smashed it past the keeper to seal the win. 3–1 United and into the Scottish Cup Final!
It was a fantastic team performance and a well-deserved victory. The girls now look forward to a chance at silverware in two weeks’ time at Ochilview Park.
A big thanks to North Berwick Rockets for a great game and best of luck to them for the rest of their season.
Massive appreciation also to our sponsors Primero Contracts Limited for organising and funding the two team coaches, making it an even better day for everyone — and to Stacey and Claire for arranging the post-match celebrations that capped off a brilliant day for the players, coaches, and travelling support.
Players of the Match:
Coogs - a brilliant performance from the midfield maestro. Coogs dominated the attacking midfield areas with her clever passes, driving runs, excellent footwork, and never-give-up attitude. Always an available option to receive the ball, her hard work and quality shone though. Outstanding!
Ash - held the ball up superbly well and consistently looked to bring in her teammates, threading numerous through-ball passes and tidy lay-offs. Her pressing was relentless -the determination to win the ball was outstanding - and she led the front line brilliantly.
