Queen of the South Edge Past Dunfermline in Seven-Goal Scottish Cup Thriller

Introduction: Cup Drama at Palmerston Park

In a captivating Scottish Challenge Cup encounter that delighted the 484 spectators at Palmerston Park, Queen of the South defeated Dunfermline Athletic 4-3 on 16 December 2025. The match, which had been rearranged for December 16 after being postponed due to Storm Bram, delivered an enthralling spectacle of attacking football in the Round of 32 clash.

First Half Fireworks Set the Tone

The home side made an explosive start to the contest. Kurtis Guthrie opened the scoring after just six minutes, followed by Jack Stott extending the lead to 2-0 in the 11th minute. However, Dunfermline refused to surrender, with Rory Macleod pulling one back for the visitors in the 41st minute, ensuring the teams went into the break with Queen of the South leading 2-1.

Second Half Drama and Late Comeback Attempt

The second half proved equally dramatic as both sides traded goals. Freddie O’Donoghue and Brennan Dickenson scored in the 74th and 76th minutes respectively to seemingly put the match beyond Dunfermline’s reach at 4-1. Yet the Championship side mounted a spirited late rally, with Barney Stewart netting twice in the 79th and 83rd minutes to set up a tense finale. Despite intense pressure, Queen of the South held firm to secure their progression.

Significance and What’s Next

This victory provides crucial momentum for Queen of the South, who had been without a win in their last four games before this encounter. The match statistics reflected an evenly-contested affair, with both teams registering 11 shot attempts. For Dunfermline, the defeat represents a disappointing cup exit as they continue to focus on their Championship campaign. The rescheduled fixture also had implications for manager Neil Lennon’s touchline ban, with the game counting as part of his four-match suspension, allowing him to return for the Fife derby on 27 December.