Aberdeen WFC are set to host Rangers this evening, as the club play at Pittodrie Stadium for the first time in their history. The fixture looks to be one of the toughest on the SWPL calendar for the Dons and a landmark occasion for women’s football in the North East.
Aberdeen back in the top flight
Aberdeen currently sit fifth in Scotland’s topflight, outside the professional top four. Major changes have taken place at the club, having spent the past few seasons in lower leagues. In 2018, the club announced full integration of the women’s team under the remit of Aberdeen F.C.
Since, the team have achieved back-to-back promotions and returned to SWPL 1. Aberdeen look to be heading in the right direction, though the team is still without professional status.
Rangers ran out 8-0 winners when the teams last met in October. This time, Aberdeen will be looking to provide a competitive game for the Pittodrie crowd.
For Aberdeen, however, the opportunity to play at Pittodrie is also a great chance to showcase women’s football in the North East. As Scotland prepares to enter a new era of women’s football under the SPFL, Aberdeen co-manager Emma Hunter describes Wednesday night as “the perfect time to show what women’s football is about”.
The North East corner of Scotland has delivered big names in women’s football over the years. Arsenal star Kim Little played at youth level for Buchan (Aberdeenshire) before joining Hibernian in 2005. Little has since racked up over 200 appearances for Arsenal in the WSL, where she currently captains the side.
Likewise, Scotland captain Rachel Corsie began her career in Aberdeen. The Dons fan played youth football with Stonehaven before progressing to Aberdeen Ladies in 2006.
Fast forward 15 years and the Reds are looking to make their mark in women’s football. And the comeback is now on for Aberdeen, who look set to finish fifth upon their return to SWPL 1. However, Rangers will prove a tough test at Pittodrie.
What to expect from Rangers
Rangers have set the standard for women’s football in recent years. The club first made headlines in 2019, when the team became the first in Scotland to offer professional contracts to their women’s side.
Since, Rangers have looked to threaten the dominance of Glasgow City, signing players from the WSL and other top leagues, including Manchester United duo Lizzie Arnott and Jane Ross.
It’s no surprise then that Rangers are yet to lose a league game this season. The club head to Pittodrie second in the table, a point behind league-leaders Glasgow City. A win in Aberdeen could set Rangers up nicely for the league title.
Ticketing info
Fans should head to Pittodrie for a 19:00 kick-off. Tickets are priced at £5, but access is free for U12s, season ticket holders and AberDNA members. For more information on ticketing, or to book tickets, visit the official Aberdeen FC website.
Aberdeen supporters can usually watch the women’s team in action at the Balmoral Stadium in the Cove Bay area.
However, tonight — for the first time — fans will find the women’s team at Pittodrie.
