Picture by Ian Coyle
Dundee Rockets booked their place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals on Saturday night, completing the job against Kirkcaldy Kestrels, where they take on Edinburgh Capitals.
The Rockets went into the second leg holding a four-goal advantage, but the game itself was far closer than the scoreline suggested. John Dolan opened the scoring midway through the first period before striking again early in the second to extend Dundee’s lead on the night.
Kirkcaldy responded through Joe Somerville, and the opening two periods were evenly matched, with both sides creating a similar number of chances in a competitive, hard-fought contest. The final period followed the same pattern, but a goal from Sam McCluskey proved decisive, allowing Dundee to see the game out and confirm their place in the semi-finals. Dates for the tie are yet to be confirmed.
Scottish National League
Kirkcaldy Kestrels returned to Scottish National League action on Sunday and recorded a close 5–4 win against Solway Sharks SNL in Dumfries. The opening period was action-packed as both sides looked to make an early statement, trading goals to finish the first period level at 3–3.
Graeme Allan edged the Kestrels ahead in the second period, before Joe Somerville extended the lead with a power-play goal early in the third. Solway continued to apply pressure, with 18-year-old Bailey Thomson reducing the deficit late on, but Kirkcaldy held firm to take the points.
The Sharks also faced a tough test earlier in the weekend against league leaders Edinburgh Capitals. It proved a difficult night for the visitors at Murrayfield, as the Capitals won 10-1, further strengthening their position at the top of the Scottish National League table.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Whitley Warriors battled difficult weather conditions to make the journey to Ayrshire to face North Ayrshire Wild. The visitors made a strong start, scoring twice in the opening period before adding two more early in the second to take control of the contest.
Dylan Murray opened the scoring for the Wild to give the home side a lift, while Lennon Deeney narrowed the gap further with a short-handed goal five minutes into the third period. However, Whitley’s depth proved telling late on, with Lennon Deeney scoring in the final minute to seal a 5–2 victory. North Ayrshire, operating with a shorter bench, continued to compete throughout despite the result.
As the season continues, the league table reflects a tightly contested battle behind the current leaders, with games in hand and upcoming fixtures set to play a key role in shaping the standings.
