Finals Day Preview: National League season reaches its final chapter in Glasgow
28th May 2026
The National League season comes to a close this Saturday, 30 May, with Finals Day taking centre stage at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.
Bellahouston and Edinburgh Accies will meet in the third place match, before Strathclyde University and Edinburgh University go head-to-head in the Grand Final.
After a season shaped by close contests, squad depth and momentum shifts, the final weekend gives all four sides one last opportunity to finish their campaign with pride.
Third Place Match: Bellahouston v Edinburgh Accies
Bellahouston and Edinburgh Accies will open Finals Day with plenty still to play for as they battle for third place.
For Edinburgh Accies, securing a top-three finish would be a strong marker of the progress made across the season. Head Coach Kerry Walsh-Jones said the squad’s journey has been built on hard work, belief and resilience.
“Securing third place would be a fantastic reward for the hard work and commitment the squad has shown throughout the season,” she said.
“The group has grown in belief and competitiveness within the National League environment, and I am incredibly proud of how the players have responded to the challenges and setbacks faced along the way.”
Walsh-Jones also highlighted the depth within her squad, with players coming from the bench to make important contributions at key stages of the season.
“This match against Bellahouston is a great opportunity to show the depth and resilience within the squad,” she added.
“Throughout the season, players coming off the bench have made huge impacts in key moments, including helping us reach the semi-finals. It reflects the talent, selflessness and commitment within the group.”
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For Bellahouston, the aim is clear: finish strongly and deliver the level of performance they know they are capable of.
Head Coach Fiona Metcalfe said retaining third place would bring satisfaction, but the main focus is producing a consistent 60-minute performance.
“As a group, we know that we did not perform to the high standards we set in the National League semi-final,” she said.
“That said, we have confidence in each player in the team and are proud of our strength and depth shown across the season. We have used 17 players and have been pleased to see each player fit seamlessly into the National League game day.”
Bellahouston have shown their quality across the season and will be looking to close the campaign by showcasing the confidence, creativity and composure that has underpinned their best performances.
“The message to our team is that finishing top four in National League and being in the Scottish Cup final evidences that the hard work put into this season has paid off,” Metcalfe added.
“Now is the time to showcase ourselves as the confident, creative and composed team who, on their day, can beat any opponent.”
Grand Final: Strathclyde University v Edinburgh University
The Grand Final will bring together two sides who know each other well and have earned their place on the biggest stage of the National League season.
For Strathclyde University, Head Coach Rachel Cremin believes the squad’s unity has been one of their biggest strengths.
“One of our biggest strengths this season has been the unity and connected mentality within the squad,” she said.
“The players have shown real commitment every week, responded well to challenges, and consistently found ways to adapt in tough moments. That determination and belief in one another has been a huge part of why we have reached this stage.”
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Cremin knows finals are rarely about perfect performances. Instead, she believes composure, discipline and connection will be vital when momentum shifts.
“The belief and unity in this squad has built over the season,” she added. “It gives us a strong foundation and we’ll need every bit of that character in the final.” That character faces another test with inspirational Captain Lucy Holmes set to miss the match with an ankle injury sustained in the semi-final victory over Bellahouston.
With both sides having faced each other several times this season, Strathclyde are expecting a contest built on familiarity, intensity and fine margins.
“We know each other very well at this stage,” Cremin said. “That familiarity means we do not expect many surprises. Both teams understand the strengths and weaknesses the other brings.”
For Edinburgh University, Head Coach Trish Wilcox believes her squad’s resilience and “bouncebackability” has defined their route to the final.
“They have not had the smoothest journey to the finals and they have shown immense strength of character and unity to be in this position,” she said.
“This has prepared them well for what I am sure will be a closely contested, hard-fought final.”
Wilcox expects Strathclyde to bring defensive pressure and consistency, but says Edinburgh University’s focus remains on playing their own game with discipline and intent.
“Strathclyde have earned their spot in the final with strong defensive pressure and consistent performances,” she said.
“For us, it’s about making sure we still focus on our game, whilst being disciplined in attack and bringing intensity and intent from the first whistle.”
For both clubs, lifting the trophy would represent more than one result. It would be the reward for a long season of training, matches, sacrifice and support from the wider club communities behind each team.
Cremin said a Strathclyde win would mean a huge amount to the players, coaches and wider club.
“The players, not only in this squad but the wider team, have put in an incredible amount of work and commitment throughout the season,” she said.
“More importantly, it would mean a lot to the wider club — the players, committee, staff, supporters, families and everyone who contributes to creating the amazing environment around the team.”
Photo credit: Maisie Speirs
For Edinburgh University, Wilcox said the opportunity to lift the trophy would be a proud moment for everyone involved.
“It would mean so much to everyone involved — the team and the team behind the team, who have worked so hard this season to support the players to reach their goals,” she said.
“This is an accumulation of all the hard work and commitment that this group have put in across a long season while juggling academics, work, training and matches.”
With third place and the National League title both still to be decided, Finals Day promises a fitting end to a competitive and hard-fought season.
Schedule:
10.00am Bellahouston vs Edinburgh Accies
12.15pm University of Edinburgh vs University of Strathclyde
Tickets can be purchased from Fanbase: Grand Final Day Tickets
