Hamilton Accies Women boss hopes SWPL utilise more Friday nights ahead of St Johnstone clash

Hamilton Accies Women’s boss Robert Watson welcomes their Friday night football clash with St Johnstone and hopes it could lead to more SWPL games being played outside of the weekend.

Accies’ SWPL2 clash with St Johnstone has been brought forward to tonight to allow Celtic - who ground share at New Douglas Park - to play their SWPL1 derby with Rangers on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

But Watson sees that as a positive as it will open up the game to more fans who might otherwise be occupied elsewhere over the weekend.

Watson said: “With Celtic playing Rangers at New Douglas Park on Sunday on Sky Sports, it gave us the opportunity to look for alternatives and we felt bringing it forward to a Friday night would be something a little bit different for supporters.

“I think, generally, the league could utilise Friday nights more because I think people enjoy coming out to watch football at the end of the week and it also allows them to watch other teams at the weekend as well. Particularly in the women’s game, it means there are less clashes with the men’s game and supporters can go and see both teams.

“We’ve got a few local girls clubs coming down to watch the game and that is something they are able to do because we aren’t clashing with their own fixtures.

“They’ll be able to watch some SWPL football, which is great for the growth of the game.”

Accies are currently eight points clear of nearest rivals Kilmarnock at the top of SWPL2 and could stretch that to 11 before Killie play on Sunday.

Watson, whose side beat Saints 7-0 earlier in the season, added: “We just need to make sure we win the game. St Johnstone have improved a lot since we last met them. They have picked up some results and look like a much more solid unit.

“I’m