Development sides from Motherwell and East Fife face each other for the Scottish Women’s Football League Plate at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld this Sunday, 26 June 2022.
First team stars from both sides are expected to attend to cheer on the teams in what promises to be a thrilling contest ahead of the League Cup final, a showpiece day for the grassroots game in Scottish Women’s Football.
Motherwell beat Clydebank 4-0 on Sunday but lie behind League Cup finalists Linlithgow Rose in the SWFL Central/South East table, while East Fife have risen to second in the SWFL North/East table after beating Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s final, Motherwell development captain Samantha McManus said:
“Getting to the league plate final has been a massive achievement in itself for the girls as we have played some very tough teams to get here but hopefully we can go one step further now and take home the Plate.
“We have enjoyed many great friendlies against East Fife over the years so we know they will be extremely tough opponents but we are looking forward to the challenge. Regardless of the final outcome I know that every one of our players is really up for this game and we are determined to enjoy the occasion from start to finish. Our squad has mostly been together for a good while now and the way they all work hard to support each other and to keep going for each other will be massively important to us in the final. I am sure that both teams will put on a great show for the fans and it will be a great advert for women’s football in general.”
East Fife development captain Lucy Bryant said:
“I’m really excited to be leading my team out at the final. I believe we’ve got the strongest team to date and we can certainly win it. We made it to the semi-finals of the cup last year and the team have worked extremely hard to make it to the final this year.
“This isn’t just a team on the pitch, we’re also a team off it and we battle hard for each other and the jersey. I’ve played for East Fife for so many years I’ve lost count, it’s extremely welcoming to all ages and abilities and I couldn’t picture playing for anyone else. The support in reaching this final from the coaches, supporters and my two vice captains, Kerry and Lisa has been unreal. Regardless of the score on the 26th we will all come off of the pitch knowing we gave it our all.”
The SWFL League Cup began with group stages, with those failing to qualify getting an opportunity to compete for the SWFL League Plate. The Plate final will precede the Cup final at Broadwood on Sunday and kicks off at noon, with the League Cup final kicking off at 4:30. Spectators can watch both games for only £5, with pensioners and other concessions gaining entry for £2. Under 12s are free.
NOTE: Comments from the captains of the League Cup finalists can be found here.