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Pirates Look to Bounce Back at Home After Gritty Back-to-Back Battles with Whitley
- Calum Wilson
- Dec 4
- 3 min read
The Paisley Pirates return to Braehead Arena this Sunday determined to turn tight performances into points, as they prepare to host the Dundee Rockets in a later-than-usual 6.30pm face-off.
It comes after a dramatic weekend double-header against the Whitley Warriors — a pair of contests that tested every nerve in the building, showcased real character from the Pirates bench, and reminded everyone just how thin the margins can be in this league.
A Saturday Night Thriller at Braehead
Saturday’s 3–4 overtime loss was hockey at its most gripping. The Pirates fought back from 3–1 down, with goals from Magnus Wrottesley, Craig Peacock, and Ryan Parkin, forcing the game into 3-on-3 OT with the crowd on their feet. Just two seconds separated Paisley from the shootout, but a late Warriors winner snatched the extra point.
Head Coach Ian Turley reflected on the night with a mix of pride and frustration:
“We showed character clawing back from 3–1. Losing it with two seconds to go is very tough to take, but over the course of the game we maybe didn’t do enough to win it outright. Whitley got the job done.”
Turley praised the team’s first period, acknowledged a flat second, and pointed to strong penalty killing and a gritty third period as positives.
The coach also touched on the team’s progress over recent weeks:
“We’re not fully cohesive yet, but it’s coming. With the new guys joining mid-season we’ve almost had to start from scratch, but we’re moving in the right direction. Compare tonight to the last time we faced Whitley — we’re sharper, tougher, and more dangerous.”
Sunday in Whitley Bay
Less than 24 hours later, the teams met again — this time in Whitley Bay for the first leg of the Scottish Cup Quarter Final. The Warriors claimed a 4–1 win, with Garry Simpson scoring for Paisley.
Once again, Turley credited the Warriors' netminder for playing a major role across both nights:
“For two nights in a row their goalie played a blinder. We had chances but couldn’t convert; they took theirs. It’s a disappointing result, but the tie isn’t over.”
The Pirates return home trailing by three goals on aggregate — but with belief still firmly intact that the second leg can be turned around at Braehead.
A Team Settling Into Its Identity
One of the biggest takeaways from Turley’s post-game comments was the steady growth in chemistry:
“The passing is cleaner, the plays are crisper. We’re starting to look more like the team we want to be. Over the last few years our identity has been that gritty, hard-working, stubborn team — and tonight in the third period I saw signs of that returning.”
With new additions bringing experience from higher levels and younger players stepping up, the coaching staff believe the Pirates are heading in the right direction, even if results didn’t fall their way this weekend.
“We didn’t quit. We didn’t fold. For me, the direction is right — now it’s about finishing games off.”
Eyes Ahead: Dundee Rockets Come to Braehead
The Pirates will now regroup and refocus for Sunday 7th December, when they welcome the Dundee Rockets for a 6.30pm face-off.
Braehead Arena
Sunday 7th December
Face Off 6.30pm
Please note:
December home games have later face-off times due to extended public skating hours.
The Paisley Pirates are a cash-only club for tickets, merchandise, 50/50 and chuck-a-duck.
Arena food and beverage is card-only.
No external food or drink is permitted.
After a weekend that showed fight, resilience, and flashes of top-end hockey, the Pirates will be eager to deliver a big response in front of the home crowd. The season is heating up — and the next chapter begins this Sunday.
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