Scottish Women's Football

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Jerez, Spain

Image source, PA Media

Melissa Andreatta insists "belief is growing" amongst her squad as Scotland prepare for their final match of the year against China on Tuesday.

The friendly will fall just a day short of the one year anniversary of that night in Helsinki where the Scots failed to qualify for Euro 2025.

It was a result and outcome that devastated the side and one which took them time to recover from.

Under Michael McArdle's interim reign before her, and the five games she has taken charge of, though, Andreatta has seen a fresh and reenergised group.

"I think belief comes through relentless effort and exposure to different experiences," the head coach told BBC Scotland at the team's hotel in Jerez.

"We had that even against Ukraine where we had so much of the ball and were really dominant for most of the game, but just couldn't get that goal that we wanted.

"But, we never stopped and you get belief from situations like that - even when you don't get the win - by knowing you can create chances and take them.

"I think those moments where we come through the other side and experience the pressure, allows the belief to grow both individually and as a collective, and I definitely think the belief is growing amongst the team, and that we'll see plenty of that out there tomorrow night."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Estadio Municipal de Chapin

Image source, SNS

When the whistle blew at the Estadio Municipal de Chapin on Friday afternoon, the draw with Ukraine felt like a Scotland win, such was their last-minute equaliser.

Maria McAneny's finish, with virtually the last kick of the ball, buoyed the Scots who were below par in Jerez.

But one fine performer, was Rachel McLauchlan, who appears to have a new lease of life in a Scotland shirt under Melissa Andreatta.

The Brighton and Hove Albion full-back was flipped in and out of the starting line-up by previous head coach Pedro Martinez Losa, but already appears to have found a fan in Andreatta. And it's reciprocated.

"She's filling the squad with a lot of positivity and belief," McLauchlan told BBC Scotland.

"I feel confident playing under her and I'm really enjoying having her as manager right now.

"I'm just enjoying moments with the girls on the pitch, and that will keep that smile on my face."

McLauchlan's afternoon of work was up by the time the debutant crashed in the equaliser and was just a couple seats down from Andreatta when the Aussie screamed "we never stop" as the celebrations ensued.

"We want to look at that going forward, that we don't give up," she added.

"We give absolutely everything to the last minute and I think we proved that, obviously it's good to get the goal and the draw.

"I think there's lots of things we can take from it and learn from it.

"We need to start figuring out how to win these games going forward, but it's another building block and we'll look forward to the next game."

Image source, Scottish FA

Celtic midfielder Maria McAneny savoured the "amazing feeling" of marking her Scotland debut with a last-gasp equaliser against Ukraine in Spain.

"I'm buzzing to even get called up in the first place, it's a privilege," said the 21-year-old McAneny.

"Even getting on is a privilege. To score is the bonus, honestly. I'm so happy. Unbelievable. Getting the call-up, I was over the moon to come here.

"One thing I said to myself that I want to take away, is to learn something. Even just to get on. I have no words. It's an amazing feeling.

"The girls are lovely. They've been so welcoming. All the staff have been so welcoming. It couldn't have been easier.

"[Celtic team-mate] Emma [Lawton] said just to go and enjoy it, just to take it all in.

"You always learn. The detail is insane. That's the one thing they definitely said, just go and enjoy it. Just be you."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

"I want to see more of that dynamic, athletic, pacey, powerful, technical midfielder Maz is."

It's fair to say Melissa Andreatta is a fan of Maria McAneny.

The Celtic midfielder is enjoying her first Scotland senior squad involvement after being promoted from the Under-23s for friendlies against Ukraine and China and the head coach has challenged the 21-year-old to just be herself.

McAneny has had a fine start to the domestic league season for Elena Sadiku's side and impressed for Scotland Under-23s last month.

"More of the same what she's doing for the under-23s and for her club but at a higher level," the Australian told BBC Scotland.

"It's faster, it's more intense, there's less space and time and that's going to also take time.

"I've spoken about that before when an emerging player is coming to the squad, that you give them the time to thrive and to flourish and we really invest in supporting the players to do that.

"Showing them our playbook before they arrive again so that it's not so unfamiliar to them. Hopefully that helps them - and in this case, Maz - to adapt along with the group being so warm and welcoming as they are.

"I want to see more of that dynamic, athletic, pacey, powerful midfielder or even when she's positioned wider for Celtic that we see Maz bring to a game and she's super technical too.

"In the recent derby, from the left, she was swinging in some beautiful final passes with her non-dominant foot, so I think that balance of technique and athleticism is very interesting to look at."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Noa Schumacher (Hibs): Made some crucial saves in helping her side to a big point away to leaders Glasgow City. An important draw for Hibs as it keeps them in the title race while reducing City's lead at the top.

Louise Brown (Montrose): Crowned a superb performance with the winning goal at Aberdeen to send her side into the top-six.

Caley Gibb (Hibs): Came on just before the hour and her introduction was key. She made a couple of important blocks and set up a great chance for her side.

Scarlett Herron (Hibs): Played her part in keeping City at bay and securing a good point on the road. An assured performance from the Irish defender.

Cheryl McCulloch (Partick Thistle): Although her side lost 2-0 to Celtic, it could have been more if it wasn't for her defensive effort. The veteran cut out numerous attacks and showed all her experience at the back for Thistle.

Amy Muir (Glasgow City): Was solid at the back for City, helping to maintained their unbeaten start to the league season. Also raced forward a few times to some effect.

Jodi McLeary (Rangers): A constant threat, set up two goals to give Rangers a comfortable win at Motherwell.

Lisa Robertson (Celtic): Played the holding midfielder role well and provided a brilliant ball for the opener before coming close to getting on the scoresheet herself.

Maria McAneny (Celtic): A terrific touch for the new Scotland call-up's initial effort on goal and she was alert to the rebound to calmly open the scoring. Put in a shift up and down the wing all afternoon.

Laura Berry (Rangers): Showed great skill when executing her goal with a lovely turn and finish in a tight spot. Could have scored more, but her attacking intent was impressive.

Georgia Timms (Hearts): Once again a key player for her side. The striker won and netted a penalty then completed her hat-trick. Also provided two assists in an excellent afternoon's work.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Leaders Glasgow City host reigning champions Hibernian on Sunday in the final SWPL game before the international break.

Despite a late red card for City, the sides' previous meeting ended 1-1 at Meadowbank, and both teams will be desperate for all three points this time.

Hibs are currently third, two points behind Edinburgh rivals Hearts and eight adrift of City.

A win for Grant Scott's side would cut the gap to the leaders to a much less daunting five points, but the Meadowbank club head into Sunday's match off the back of a 3-1 humbling at home to Hearts.

City thrashed Montrose 6-1 in the league before suffering Europa Cup heartache with an extra-time loss to Sporting Club in Lisbon.

While City may be fatigued from the midweek exertion, they'll be boosted by their showing against one of Europe's top teams. In fact, head coach Leanne Ross said her side will "use this as motivation for the rest of the season".

Elsewhere on Sunday, Celtic are at home to Partick Thistle and Hearts host bottom side Hamilton. Rangers have a trip to Motherwell while Montrose are also on the road to face Aberdeen.

How to follow on BBC

Glasgow City v Hibernian (16:10 GMT) is live on BBC Alba. You can also watch that game and Celtic v Partick Thistle (14:00) on the BBC Sport app and website as well as iPlayer.

Match reports from all of Sunday's games will be available on the BBC Sport website and app.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Jennifer Currie (Partick Thistle): Made a brave late save to deny Aberdeen an equaliser and ensure the Jags returned to winning ways after a four-game losing streak.

Erin Husband (Hearts): Defender well and her energy and tenacity was key to Hearts' second-half derby comeback against Hibs.

Jenna Ferguson (Partick Thistle): Back in the starting line-up and was calm and composed in a Thistle backline that kept a clean sheet.

Chloe Warrington (Glasgow City): Got the league leaders off the mark with a composed finish for her first goal of the season.

Laura Berry (Rangers): Netted the leveller just before half-time against Celtic to galvanise her side and inspire an improved display.

Natalia Wrobel (Glasgow City): The Poland international made her mark despite only playing the first half. She set up City's opener then scored two in the hammering of Montrose.

Mia McAulay (Rangers): Composed when scoring the late Old Firm derby winner. Controlled the ball well and kept calm to dispatch a lovely finish. Also provided the assist for the equaliser and was a real threat.

Bayley Hutchison (Hearts): Used her strength and pace well and was key to Hearts' turnaround in fortunes. Great delivery for leveller and netted from close range.

Carla Boyce (Motherwell): Helped Motherwell to a significant derby win at Hamilton as they moved into the top six. In a scrappy game she was the bright spark with two important goals.

Saoirse Noonan (Celtic): Although her team lost, the striker worked tirelessly and was on the scoresheet.

Carly Johns (Hearts): Netted a double to prove again how important she is to this Hearts side.

Image source, Glasgow City FC

Glasgow City have completed the pre-contract signing of "exciting young talent" Tao Stark from Finnish side KuPS.

The 21-year-old Finnish midfielder has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal from January.

Stark has joined up with City - who face Sporting Club in the second leg of their Europa Cup last-16 tie on Wednesday - and will train with the squad before being eligible to play in the new year.

She has made more than 50 appearances for KuPS and earlier this year received a first call-up to the senior Finland squad.

"Tao is an exciting young talent, and somebody we are delighted to bring to the club," said City head coach Leanne Ross.

"We see a lot of potential in her and we are confident she will add a real presence to our midfield as she continues her development with us."

Image source, SNS

Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton: "It was a tricky start. We were really disappointed with the manner in which we started the game, we were really nervous and invited a lot of pressure.

"I think we rode our luck, at 1-0 we were lucky but the response towards the end of the first half to try and get level was really good."

Celtic boss Elena Sadiku: "Looking at the first half, we were totally dominant and we should have been at least 2-0 up.

"I'm not happy with how we conceded the 2-1 goal or the 3-2 goal. I'm very frustrated and disappointed.

"Morgan Cross was a big part of why we were successful in the first half so when we lost her it changed the whole dynamic in the team. I am still proud of the team, they tried to give everything they had."