Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
United Women lift title following derby win in front of record crowd
DUNDEE United WFC registered their highest ever attendance as Graeme Hart’s title-winners lifted the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2 trophy at Tannadice.
The runaway champions claimed a breathless 3-2 victory over St Johnstone in front of 726 supporters, topping the previous high of 500 fans when United were presented with the third tier crown back in 2018.
With United’s crowds ordinarily around the 100mark — and up against a televised Champions League semi-final — it was a fine turnout.
And a topsy-turvy contest saw United duo Chloe Clemison and Danni McGinley cancel out Nicole Carter’s early opener for the Perth Saints.
Ellie Cowie looked to have pinched a point for the visitors deep into the second half.
But there was a dramatic finale when Robyn Smith — a threat from set-pieces all night — scored directly from a corner to secure the triumph.
Yet the result was almost inconsequential on a memorable night for United.
With one SWPL2 fixture left to play, Hart’s side have still suffered just a single defeat all campaign and secured promotion in March.
As a result, they will play at the elite level of Scottish football for the first time in the club’s history next term, crossing swords with full-time outfits like Rangers and Celtic, as well as traditional power Glasgow City.
Given United’s women’s team was only formed in 2015, it has been a laudable rise through the ranks.
And there was a party atmosphere as club captain — and lifelong Dundee United supporter — Megan Burns lifted the silverware in front of the healthy band of fans in the George Fox Stand.