International week allows SWF stars to shine

The lack of SWPL action this weekend allows the spotlight of women’s football in Scotland to fall on the Championship and League One.

The highly competitive leagues run by Scottish Women’s Football are playing their fourth week of ties, with Livingston unbeaten at the top of the eight-team Championship with seven points travelling to Petershill to face Glasgow club Rossvale, who are just a point behind. Also on six points are Edinburgh’s Hutchison Vale, who host Dundee club Dryburgh Athletic in Wester Hailes and Renfrew Ladies who are visiting Ayr United in Cumnock.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle will host Morton on Sunday with both sides looking to build on their three point tally.

All eight teams are aiming for promotion, with the Championship winner gaining an automatic SWPL place at the end of the season, and the second placed team also entering into a playoff.

Falkirk’s victory in their local derby with Stenhousemuir last weekend has put them in pole position in the Women’s League One, and on Sunday they travel to face Paisley club Gleniffer Thistle, who are still looking for their first points of the campaign.

Also unbeaten in League One are Westdyke, who will host newcomers Giffnock to the northeast, and FC Edinburgh, who welcome Airdrie Ladies to Meadowbank. Grampian Ladies, who have scored 12 goals in their last two games will welcome Dundee West to the Bank of Dee.

Elsewhere, BSC Glasgow will be looking to pick up their first points of the season at home to St Mirren and Stenhousemuir play Edinburgh Caledonia at Ochilview.

Commenting, Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell said: “There are no SWPL games being played this weekend because of the international break, but there is plenty of quality, competitive women’s football happening across the country. Whether you are in the Highlands, the Northeast, Ayrshire or Central Scotland, everyone has the opportunity to get along to support their local girls in action.

“Even if there is no Championship or League One action near you, we also have our Biffa SWFL regional leagues and the Highlands and Islands league, providing opportunities for women and girls to play and get involved all across the country. If you are interested in watching a game, check out all the fixtures on the Scottish Women’s Football website.”

Picture: Alex Todd/Sportpix