Edinburgh Caledonia Relegated From Barclays National Leagues After Defeat In Airdrie

Edinburgh Caledonia have been relegated from Barclays Scottish Women’s League One for the first time after falling to defeat against Airdrie CC.

The capital club, who were an inaugural member of League One when the division was formed in 2022, needed to win every game after the league split, and hope second-bottom Dunfermline Athletic lost theirs. Although Caley gave themselves a lifeline by beating Dunfermline at home last week, they fell at the second attempt. Isi Orlishausen had given the visitors hope in the first half with the opener, but goals from Kirsty Gilbert, Suzanne MacTaggart and Harriet Jakeman in the second period secured a win for the diamonds.

Elsewhere, despite a missed penalty Renfrew Ladies came from behind against Stenhousemuir to win 2-1 and extend their lead at the top of the Barclays Championship. First-half goals from Becky Downs and Caitlin McKee put Renfrew in pole position for the title after nearest challengers Falkirk Women were beaten 2-0 by Bonnyrigg Rose. Connie Bell scored a hat-trick for Inverness Caledonian thistle in an impressive 4-1 home win against Armadale Thistle, while Dryburgh Athletic beat Morton 2-0 at Cappielow.

The Barclays League One title race looks to be set for a photo finish after leaders Elgin City beat Westdyke 4-2 and a late winner for St Mirren gave them a 3-2 win at Palmerston against Queen of the South to stay two points behind. Dunipace remain third despite being held 3-3 at home by a resolute Cambusdoon. Glenrothes Strollers came from behind to win the Fife derby after Savannah Mortimer had put Dunfermline Athletic ahead early on.

Giffnock Soccer Centre will be aiming for a quick return to Barclays League One after becoming the first winner of a regional SWFL division. The East Renfrewshire side lifted the SWFL South trophy after a comprehensive 9-1 victory over Benburb, to set up a promotion play-off with the winners of SWFL East.