Dryburgh Athletic Women - Season review 2021/22
With Dryburgh Athletic Women’s first season in SWF Championship North now at an end, it’s time to reflect on the amazing season the team had.
The season began way back in August 2021 after some pre-season friendlies to get the girls back into action. Of course womens’ football had been on/off since the start of the pandemic in spring 2020, with around 16 months of interruptions and cancelled games, but at last Dryburgh’s SWF Championship side were able to get their teeth back into competitive football.
The league began with early wins against northern teams Buchan, Grampian, Stonehaven and Westdyke. These matches revealed a variety of strengths across the squad, with a healthy number of goals scored by several forwards, excellent playmaking in midfield and a solid defence. More victories came away from home, against Dunfermline and Dundee West, although by autumn there were already a few signs of the dreaded Covid leading to a number of postponement across the womens’ leagues.
By late October and November however, ‘Burgh saw their first real league tests, with away defeats against East Fife - a game memorable for the number of injuries sustained by Dryburgh - then Montrose - which was played in severe gale conditions on Halloween - and also a home defeat to Inverness.
The league then marched on into the new year, with Dryburgh learning much from those high profile defeats and they were now back to racking victories.
A downside being 2 less matches to play following the withdrawal of Stonehaven and Dunfermline (thankfully, both have since reformed as recreational teams). With winter conditions leading to some postponed games, the spring period then saw ‘Burgh having to play catch up, with a busy final stretch to ensure all games were played.
A double header against Inverness Caledonian Thistle - rivals for 3rd place - saw ‘Burgh win and draw up in the Highlands, whilst similarly a draw and a win against East Fife were well deserved.
By the last week of the season Dryburgh had nudged into second place but with the final - and toughest - game to come, away to a Montrose side who had been unbeaten in the league all season. Although it ended in defeat - with East Fife then overtaking ‘Burgh into 2nd place with 46 points - Dryburgh had already enough in the locker to claim 3rd place with 44 points, 3 points ahead of Inverness CT on 41. Ending what really has been an amazing achievement for a team whose previous season, in 2019, was in the regional league.
Of course though there were also Cups to play for during the season….the Scottish Cup first involvement saw a day of drama as a home tie against Harmony Row from Glasgow, quickly turned into an Away tie due to a frozen “all weather” pitch. Thankfully the squad managed to make the trip and record a convincing win to progress to the next round.
SWPL2 side Kilmarnock made the trip to Dundee in the next round and although Dryburgh put up a valiant effort, Killie were to record a 4-0 win and progress.
However it was the autumn that saw the main Cup action with a historic outcome.
The inaugural SWF Championship Cup started off with 27 teams from the North and South Championship leagues.
Dryburgh began their Cup campaign with a hard fought 3-1 win against East Fife in Methil, followed by another away tie against Falkirk. Another really challenging game at the Falkirk Stadium saw ‘Burgh work tirelessly to see off the home side, in the end winning 4-1. At last for the semi final ‘Burgh had a home tie at Glenesk Park against Championship South’s Ayr United.
On a fine autumn day in early November, a great finish from teenager Beth Collins gave Dryburgh their passport to the final against Montrose.
By the date of the Final on 28th November, the weather was starting to turn and prior to the final taking place at the Falkirk Stadium, the snow needed cleared from the pitch and the many of the near 250 plus Dryburgh supporters who came along needed their winter woolies.
Despite the cold weather, what a day it turned out to be…
Midway through the first half a lovely measured pass from Club Captain Laura Boag found Megan Robb clear of the back tracking Montrose defence.
Robb kept her cool to finish superbly and give Dryburgh a vital lead.
Despite intense pressure from Montrose, ‘Burgh held on for a Historic victory, becoming the first ever winners of the SWF Championship Cup.
Credit goes to all those who helped make the season such a special one - from Head Coach Owen MacKenzie, Coaches Danielle Geekie, Ricky Neil, Fiona McNicoll, Physio Claire Semple, our supporters, parents, the club committee and our club valued sponsors.
However, the biggest credit has to go to the players who have shown incredible dedication, investing their time week after week to play the game that they love.
Over the past season they have played so well, worked so hard and with such commitment to the club and to each other - winning many plaudits and new supporters along the way.
Well done to all involved with Dryburgh Athletic Women for an amazing season 2021/22.
Huge thanks to our main Club partners - Hutchison Technologies - Wallacetown Pharmacy - Semple Therapies for their unwavered support throughout the year.
Finally, many thanks to Dundee Violet JFC for great support and of course all our fantastic matchday volunteers Derek, Sarah, Tracy, Alan, Taylor, Dorothy and Ashley and to our individual player sponsors who will be highlighted and thanked over the next few weeks.
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