Bonnyrigg Rose win Barclays League One title on dramatic final day

Bonnyrigg Rose have been crowned Barclays Scottish Women’s League One champions after securing a point against title rivals Armadale Thistle on the final day.

The West Lothian side came to Poltonhall knowing that only a win would steal the title from their Midlothian rivals, but the Rose defence were resolute throughout to claim the point they needed to stay ahead in the table.

Rose ‘keeper Denise Dudgeon had to be sharp to keep out the league’s top scorer Khya McGurk on 36 minutes, while Gabby Anderson and Jen Brown for Bonnyrigg both came close in the second half, but a goalless draw would be enough.

The title win comes after an extremely competitive season in Scotland’s fourth tier, which saw several teams top the table at various points. Bonnyrigg Rose are now promoted to the Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship, while Armadale will now prepare for a play-off against Westdyke on the 1 June for the right to join them.

Commenting, Koral Anderson, Barclays Scotland Site Lead said: “Congratulations to Bonnyrigg Rose for securing the League One title and promotion to the Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship on the final day. The team have shown remarkable resilience to have emerged victorious from such a nail-biting title race.

“As sponsors, Barclays are proud to celebrate not only the title winners but all the grassroots community clubs who have shown the resilience required to compete in the national leagues. They exemplify the power of diversity in sport where every player contributes to the strength and growth of the beautiful game.  Many thanks to all teams for making it a thrilling season and we look forward to an equally dynamic competition next season.”

Elsewhere, Glenrothes Strollers secured the SWFL East title with a thrilling 2-2 draw with challengers Edinburgh South, setting up a promotion play-off against West winners Bishopton on 1 June.

Dunipace finished fourth in the Barclays League One table with an impressive 3-2 win over St Mirren, while Airdrie finished top of the bottom five after beating Kilwinning 3-1 in Ayrshire.

In the Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship, the final day saw winners East Fife beat runners-up Stirling University 5-0, while Glasgow Girls and Women won 1-0 at the Falkirk stadium to confirm their third placed finish.