Picture by Ian Coyle
This weekend saw two high-energy clashes in the Scottish National League (SNL), as the Edinburgh Capitals hosted the Kilmarnock Thunder on Saturday, while the Paisley Pirates faced off against the Kirkcaldy Kestrels on Sunday. Here’s how the action unfolded:
Saturday: Edinburgh Capitals 5 – Kilmarnock Thunder 1
The Edinburgh Capitals skated into their first home game of the season in style, securing a commanding 5-1 victory over a short-benched Kilmarnock Thunder. The Capitals, playing their second game of the SNL campaign, showed dominance from the start, applying relentless pressure on Thunder’s defence.
The first period saw Edinburgh take control with two goals, the second of which was scored by Archie Holmes. In the second period, the Capitals continued to pile on the pressure, adding another two goals, with Homes again finding the back of the net for his second of the night.
The third period saw a slight rally from the Thunder defence, easing some of the pressure on their goaltender, but Edinburgh’s James Isaacs added a fifth goal to put the game out of reach. Kilmarnock, however, didn’t go down without a fight, with Jamie Ferguson netting a late consolation goal in the dying moments to spoil the Capitals’ shutout.
Sunday: Paisley Pirates 1 – Kirkcaldy Kestrels 6
On Sunday, the action shifted to Murrayfield, where the Paisley Pirates hosted the Kirkcaldy Kestrels, who were searching for their first win of the season after an opening defeat. Both teams fought hard in what was an intense and competitive matchup, with similar shot totals.
The Kestrels made the most of their chances in the first period, taking an early advantage with three goals, including a power-play strike from Finley King. Despite the Pirates pushing back and creating similar opportunities, they couldn’t find the back of the net.
In the second period, both teams continued to trade chances, but only the Kestrels were able to capitalise, extending their lead to 4-0. Pirates made a goaltending change, with Callum Donaghy replacing Daniel McGowan, hoping to turn the tide.
In the third period, Ross Henderson scored an unassisted goal to put the Kestrels up by five, then minutes later the visitors scored again. The Pirates kept fighting and were rewarded with a late power-play goal from Alex Lane just before the final buzzer. However, Kirkcaldy’s early clinical finishing secured the 6-1 victory, despite Paisley keeping pace with them in terms of offensive pressure.
Steven Wishart, Kirkcaldy Kestrels head coach said, “Sunday night’s victory was a reflection of the team’s hard work, determination, and focus. Despite facing setbacks from illnesses and injuries since the start of the season, we’ve seen our younger players rise to the occasion and seize their opportunities. Every single member of the team executed the game plan, and gave their all from start to finish. It was a complete team effort, and that’s what set us apart.”
SNL League Table Update
This weekend’s results saw some movement in the standings. The Edinburgh Capitals’ second win of the season lifts them to second place, still trailing league leaders Aberdeen Lynx on goal difference. The Kirkcaldy Kestrels’ dominant win over the Paisley Pirates propels them to third, while Pirate’s defeat sees them drop to fifth. Kilmarnock Thunder remain winless and stay at the bottom of the table. North Ayrshire Wild stay in same position and the Rockets gear up for their season debut next Saturday.
Stay tuned for more action next weekend as the race for the SNL title heats up!
