Play-off drama as seventh, eighth and ninth SWFL teams promoted in just three years

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Cambusdoon, Elgin City and Glenrothes Strollers have been promoted to the Barclays Scottish Women’s national leagues after a day of drama in the Scottish Women’s Football pyramid play-offs.

Glenrothes Strollers were the first to win promotion, edging out SWFL West winners Bishopton 1-0, thanks to a penalty by Rachel Fowler in the dying minutes of the game. Bishopton had matched Strollers throughout the game and looked more likely to score for much of a tense second half, but the referee pointed to the spot in the 85th minute after a coming together in the box from a Strollers corner.

Elgin City came from behind twice in Blairgowrie against SWFL Central champions Dunfermline Athletic, with the Pars going ahead through a sublime free kick from Helen Templeton then a trademark goal from Alex Davie in the second half. The game was deep into injury time when Orla Scott doubled her tally to equalise, and Alexa Mann lobbed a great winner in extra time to send the travelling Elgin fans wild.

Cambusoon left it late in their play-off against Giffnock Soccer Centre after 120 minutes of tense goalless stalemate in a penalty shootout. Giffnock looked to have retained their place in League One after four pens each, including an incredible penalty into the top right corner from their keeper Niamh Gorman. But her counterpart in the Cambusdoon goal Erin Hunter saved well twice to send her side into League One.

The promotions mean nine teams in just three years have been promoted from the regional SWFL into the national leagues, a clear sign of the growth and progression in the Scottish Women’s grassroots game.

Earlier, Armadale Thistle came from behind to beat Westdyke in extra time to secure back-to-back promotions into the Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship. A cutback from Khya McGurk found Katie Macgregor on the left of the box who finished well, just as penalties were looming.

Commenting, Koral Anderson, Barclays Scotland Site Lead, said: “Huge congratulations to Cambusdoon, Elgin City and Glenrothes Strollers on their promotion to Barclays Scottish Women’s League One, and also to Armadale Thistle for their victory in today’s Championship play-off. What a thrilling day, and of course commiserations to Dunfermline Athletic and Bishopton. It’s clear from the strength of their league campaign that this opportunity will surely come again, and I have no doubt Westdyke and Giffnock will have great resolve to return too.

“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 aim for and 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.”

Yesterday’s results mean the Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship and League One will both have their allotted 12-team roster for the 2025/26 season. The line-up is confirmed below:

Barclays Scottish Women’s Championship:

Armadale Thistle

Ayr United

Bonnyrigg Rose

Dryburgh Athletic

Falkirk

Forfar Farmington

Glasgow Girls and Women

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Morton

Renfrew Ladies

Rossvale