AFC Women’s Strath leaves club and concern over new variant rises

Aberdeen Women defender Amy Strath has left the club to focus on her career.

Strath was in the side that won back-to-back titles and consecutive promotions to SWPL 1.

The defender has struggled for a run of appearances in the top flight having been sidelined with an injury.

Co-manager Emma Hunter said: “Amy Strath played an integral part in the success of AFC Women and we all wish her all the very best.”

• The North Region Junior FA has postponed this weekend’s fixtures.

The decision was made “in light of the ongoing concerns regarding the spread of the new Covid variant across the region.”

An NRJFA spokesperson said: “Although this decision has not been taken lightly, this is based on the fact we had a number of teams travelling across the region.

“Although clubs will be carrying out protocols to minimise the risk, we have a duty of care to all our members, their families and our communities, especially at this time of year.

“All games will be rescheduled accordingly and we hope to resume as planned on January 8.”

• Scottish Women’s Football is “monitoring the situation carefully” amid an increase of Scottish Covid-19 cases.

Eight of the 11 scheduled second round ties due to be played tomorrow have already been rescheduled due to positive Covid tests or declared a walkover after clubs could not fulfil fixtures. All north teams due to play in the second round this weekend have been hit.

Grampian’s fixture with Sutherland has been declared null and void and neither side will progress to the third round – after both teams expressed Covid concerns.

Buchan and Stonehaven have withdrawn, with their respective opponents BSC Glasgow and Livingston progressing to the next round.

Westdyke’s home tie against United Glasgow has been rescheduled to January 9 after a positive test in the Glasgow side.

Inverness Caley Thistle’s fixture with Clyde was awarded to the Highlands side this week, as Clyde couldn’t field a team.