Scottish Women's Football

Image source, SNS

Reigning champions Hibernian and current leaders Glasgow City both considered it a point gained rather than two points dropped as the long-standing rivals fought out a 1-1 draw at Meadowbank Stadium.

Katie Lockwood cancelled out Eilidh Adams' opener for the hosts and the former Hibs midfielder was delighted to make her mark after her return to the side.

"I was really happy to be back out there with the girls," she told club media. "We've got a lot of competition for places this season and it just makes each other better.

"I was just at the right place at the right time, I reacted to it and it's gone in the back of the net."

As for the draw, Lockwood said: "I feel a little disappointed just now, but it is a point gained.

"We were nowhere near our best and we know that. The goal we conceded, we must do better. We talked about it all week, set-pieces, and it was disappointing to let that one in.

"But we showed some good character. That's the first time we've gone a goal down this season and to come back the way we did was good.

"It was just unfortunate that we couldn't get a second."

Hibs defender Caley Gibb thinks the draw with last season's runners-up shows her side are finding their feet in the league after having European competition qualifying to deal with.

"It's been an extremely busy few weeks for us," she said. "We started with a small squad. That's a bit bigger now and we're all gelling.

"I think we deserved more than a point if I'm honest, but it could be crucial by the end of the season. We've got more levels to reach and we can achieve more this season."

City lead Rangers by three points in the Scottish Women's Premier League, with Hibs two further back, and the Leith side's head coach, Grant Scott, added: "I think it is a good point, but we'll see in the long run.

"That's two or three performances now we've looked more like ourselves.

"I think it was a reasonably good game. A hard-fought game, but I'm not sure the quality was always there from both teams.

"You never know how vital these points you pick up against your competitors are going to be in the end.

"We were here for three. I am not entirely sure we deserved it, although on the balance of play in the last spell of the game we busied their box more than they did ours, but there was not the best quality in our execution."

Image source, SNS

Lee Gibson (Glasgow City): Some big saves and a clean sheet to prevent Rangers scoring and help City take all three points from Ibrox.

Emma Lawton (Celtic): A wonderful cross to Amy Gallacher from the right-back helped give Celtic the lead. She went on to prevent Montrose grabbing a goal back to give the visitors a big victory.

Kimberley Smit (Glasgow City): Played a vital role in a tightly contested affair, not allowing Rangers chances and ensuring City walked away with another clean sheet.

Katie Rice (Motherwell): Set up hosts' second goal as they moved into the top half of the table.

Jenna Slattery (Heart of Midlothian): Two second-half goals from the midfielder helped kick Hearts into gear after a goalless 60 minutes.

Ellis Notley (Hibernian): Netted her first goal since January 2024 with a close-range header. Two assists helped keep Hibs fifth in the table with a game in hand over three teams above.

Tegan Bowie (Hibernian): Was a driving force in the middle of the park. She was involved in two of Hibs' goals, delivering well-executed crosses, and had some chances at goal herself.

Carly Johns (Heart of Midlothian): Alongside Slattery, she helped Hearts score three goals in three minutes with two close-range passes.

Kirsty Morrison (Hibernian): Got Hibs up and running when she slotted into the bottom corner from a loose ball in the box. Had the chance to make it a double, but it was cleared by a Hamilton Academical defender.

Nicole Kozlova (Glasgow City): Was in the right place at the right time to tap the ball in at the back-post with five minutes to play to secure a potentially-pivotal three points for City and extend their winning start to the SWPL season.

Amy Gallacher (Celtic): Opened the scoring after nine minutes with a header to give her side an early lead. Another powerful finish in the second half helped Celtic to a comfortable victory.

Image source, SNS

Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton: "Every game is important. At home you go into it wanting to maximise the opportunity so we're frustrated we've got nothing to show. I don't think there was an awful lot between the sides.

"We had three or four decent chances and if we'd got our noses in front it could have given us that edge.

"The frustration is we didn't defend the box properly [for the goal]. We're super disappointed and the biggest frustration is the lack of points today."

Glasgow City boss Leanne Ross: "It's still early in the season, it's the first time the teams have played each other and to be honest I don't think we played particularly well.

"Defensively I thought we were solid and I think that goes a long way when you come and play a team like Rangers.

"Rangers have got a real attacking threat, they're particularly good in the wide areas so that was a big focus for us during the week and I thought we handled it well."

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Paul Brownlie: "It was an impressive performance and a big three points for us in the context of the season. It was a game we knew we had to win and the players delivered.

"We were really aggressive and went after Aberdeen really high. We put Aberdeen on the back foot and you could see the intensity of our press was there.

"There's no easy games in this league, it's really hard to win games and we know that as a group. We want to build momentum and a bit of rhythm as well."

Aberdeen boss Scott Booth: "I think we dropped our standards. We've had some tough games but I think we've proved we can be organised, connected and have a bit of a threat but we were a little bit all over the place today [Sunday].

"It's been tough to watch. We just didn't do what we had worked on in training and it's a lesson.

"It was a tough game because we didn't do the things we should and Motherwell took advantage of that. We pretty much gave them two goals in the first half."

Image source, SNS

Partick Thistle head coach David Elliot: "Goals definitely change games. We seemed to work really hard for 60 minutes and stop the efforts on goal.

"After then, we broke down. We lost the first goal and managed to regroup but after the second goal went in, we let too many crosses in the box and they scored from a couple of them.

"Hearts took inspiration and confidence from their goals so things got difficult after that.

"We can definitely take positives and we'll move on and the negatives we'll fix."

Hearts manager Eva Olid: "The first half we were playing well, it was just the end product so we were frustrated but once the goal came we were good.

"The subs really made a difference. They came with a lot of energy and that helped to score the goals.

"After last week, we needed these three points and they help us grow in confidence to continue and keep fighting for our objective."

Image source, SNS

Hibernian boss Grant Scott: "Getting the three points is important for us. The clean sheet and a number of goals sets us up well for a tough midweek game against Glasgow City.

"Year on year we've improved our squad here. It's massively important that we have that depth of squad to rotate around, freshen things up and change the dynamics week on week.

"We were delighted to get ourselves in front and be able to do that."

Hamilton Academical manager Robert Watson: "Hibs were very good today and made things very tough for us.

"We must find a way to defend set plays better. Of the five goals, three were set plays.

"In the second half, we spoke about being better in possession and we were able to fashion a couple of half chances.

"There is positives to take despite the scoreline today.

"We've shown up well against the full-time teams so far. The scoreline was probably a reflection on the game because we didn't defend set plays well enough.

"We have to keep believing because there has been moments where we should have scored."

Image source, SNS

Montrose manager Craig Feroz: "It's hard because there's frustration.

"In the first half, there wasn't much in it and in the second half, we were still in the game. Celtic are clinical, they took their chances.

"I thought we were totally in the game, we had a couple of chances and shots on target but the second goal killed the game."

Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "We had a weak first half, second half much better and you can see that in the scoreline at the end.

"Really happy with scoring four and we didn't concede any today so happy with that too.

"Our delivering of set plays was really good today, we could have maybe scored one more.

"It's really nice to Saoirse Noonan back in the squad because she's really important for us."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

When Scott Booth vacated his position as Leanne Ross' assistant at Glasgow City, there was only one replacement.

Namesake, national team room-mate and old Petershill Park pal, Leanne Crichton.

Upon her arrival, Ross said she didn't think there was "anybody else better in terms of knowing me" to be her go-to.

"She's somebody that I can trust and challenge me and the group in the right way which I know is important.''

Under a year on, she faces a new challenge. Coming up against Crichton.

After helping guide City to a second-place finish in the SWPL last season, Crichton broke up the good cop/band cop duo and became a head coach in her own right at Rangers.

Ross' City make the short trip to Ibrox on Sunday to take on Crichton's table-toppers.

Both will do all they can to switch the narrative from themselves to their teams, but that's unlikely.

Two former Scotland internationals, who are making moves in management, is something to sit up and pay attention too.

Throw in their almost-telepathic understanding of each other and shared competitiveness, it could be something special.

"When she was here we probably knew what each other were thinking – we just had to look at each other and we were making decisions just by that look," Ross said of her "good friend".

"Lets see how that goes on Sunday and see if we can get a wee read on each other."

Image source, SNS

Rangers women's managing director Donald Gillies has been hugely impressed with how head coach Leanne Crichton has adapted to life at the club.

Crichton was appointed at the start of August after spells as assistant head coach with Motherwell and Glasgow City and has got off to a flying start with five wins and one draw in her opening six SWPL fixtures as her side sit stop of the top flight table.

"Leanne had to come in and hit the ground at a sprint, never mind running," Gillies told RangersTV, external.

"She has been fantastic, really strong. She is everything that we saw during the interview and recruitment process.

"She has come in and she has put her own identity into the style of play and into the systems that she wants to work through but she has also had to cope with unexpected player departures.

"She has worked really closely on the recruitment side of things in order to bring in players that suit the way that she wants to play, and on top of that, getting to know the cadence of a club that has a lot of things going on and a staffing group that she hasn't necessarily worked with before on a larger scale.

"She has been really strong; it has been a pleasure to see her work over the last six weeks or so. She is only really getting started.

"I would even go as far as to say she is still playing catch-up to a degree of what she wants to see happening, which will be a process for her, but certainly the way that Leanne has gone about her business is everything that we had expected and more."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Last season's SWPL was won by three points. The season before that, it was goal difference.

In 2023, Glasgow City's last title win went right down to the dying minutes with the most dramatic of final day goals from Lauren Davidson.

They came close to a 17th league win in May, but ultimately finished three points short of Hibs in second.

Two goalless draws with Hearts stood out in an otherwise strong season.

Finding the back of the net is, obviously, imperative in any league, but it appears to have an extra-importance in this unbelievably tight at the top league.

Two years ago in their title-win, both Celtic and Rangers scored more goals than the Petershill club.

Leanne Ross' side are doing their best at ensuring that's not the case this term.

City have 15 goals in five league games already - only four off Rangers and Celtic who have both played an extra game.

And they put six past Athlone Town in the their two-legged Europa Cup tie.

Sofia Maatta set up all three in the first leg, and has a further three in the league. The winger has made an electric start to the season, while summer signing, Scotland international Abi Harrison, has three goals in five games and fellow striker Nicole Kozlova sits with four in four SWPL games.

It goes beyond the front line for Ross' side, as midfielder Natalia Wrobel has two goals and an assist in four league starts while former Hearts star Katie Lockwood has one goal and two assists in just three league starts.

City are one of three teams (Hearts and Rangers) to have scored in every league game this term and they're the only top-flight team to have scored in every half of football they've played.

Should City can keep things clicking in front of goal they could be looking at a very successful season.

Image source, Athletic Club

Former Hibs captain Joelle Murray was in attendance for Athletic Club's game against Girona on Tuesday night to receive her One Club Woman award.

The 38-year-old was awarded the Basque club's annual accolade which celebrates iconic players who have dedicated their careers to a single team.

Murray was in Spain this week to be presented with a trophy in recognition for her achievement by former Athletic Club women's player Eli Ibarra.

The current Hibs women coach watched on as Athletic drew 1-1 with Girona in La Liga.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Lisa Rodgers (Celtic): Although she conceded a goal, the 19-year-old made some vital stops, including an incredible triple save late on, to prevent Hibs taking all three points. Rodgers is taking her opportunity this season for Celtic.

Caley Gibb (Hibs): Made a couple of terrific clearances and was dynamic going forward. Unlucky not to score when her half-volley hit the post. Despite playing at right-back, she's not averse to switching over to the other side, demonstrating great flexibility.

Kimberley Smit (Glasgow City): Although Hearts' chances were limited, when they did get forward Smit did her job. The defender also looked comfortable when taking the ball forward to set up attacks.

Chloe Gover (Montrose): A good threat for her side in the 2-0 win over Hamilton. After an early header fell wide, she was a touch fortunate with her long-range goal but if you don't shoot you can't score! Kept a clean sheet too as Montrose ended their three-game losing streak.

Kim Shin Ji (Rangers): Really settling into life at Rangers. The South Korean's range of passing was impressive, as was her ability to win possession. Good going forward and had a few attempts on goal as Rangers defeated Aberdeen.

Natalie Ross (Celtic): Did really well to win the header to put Celtic in front. Superb finish. Plays with her heart on her sleeve and that header demonstrated such.

Amy Anderson (Glasgow City): The City midfield snuffed Hearts and Anderson was a key part of that. Comfortable on the ball and was quick to see a pass to set City on their way forward.

Nicole Kozlova (Glasgow City): Drove City forward and thoroughly deserved well-taken double. Showed control and pace and strength for her second goal.

Lizzie Arnot (Rangers): Set up Rangers' opener with her usual precise crossing. Had a couple of shots at goal too, including one effort that hit the woodwork.

Abi Harrison (Glasgow City): Starting to look like the Abi Harrison of old, she had a terrific afternoon. Held the ball up well before her defence-splitting pass led to the opener. Then grabbed a goal herself after again some great play.

Kathleen McGovern (Hibs): Scored a vital goal to earn her side a good point, showing strength to get the shot away. Came close to another, which was well saved.

Image source, SNS

Montrose manager Craig Feroz: "It gets us a bit of distance between them and us. There was a big difference between the two teams.

"I said to them at half-time, if you get one, you'll get two or three. It's never going to be easy, but we dominated the game.

"We'll have a go at Celtic next week."

Hamilton manager Robert Watson: "The main thing is how poorly we played in the second half.

"I was fairly tough on the players, but they have got to take some responsibility because it wasn't good enough.

"When we get chances we've got to take them and we've got to defend better."

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Paul Brownlie: "My first thought is I'm disappointed not to take the three points.

"In the second half, I thought we were on the front foot. I thought we played some really good stuff, created numerous opportunities to really stretch the lead.

"Unfortunately, we never took them and disappointed with a sucker-punch right at the end where ultimately it's a cross that hits the back of the net and not taking any away from the young girl, but I didn't see it coming."

Partick Thistle head coach David Elliot: "I have mixed emotions. A bit of frustration with the performance because we know we've been a lot better recently and I don't think we hit those standards, but also a bit of relief ending up with a goal that's probably a cross.

"I think the girls are the same, they know we're much better than what we've showed and you can feel that coming off.

"They're still really frustrated at themselves because they know we're better than that."

Image source, SNS

Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "I think it was a fair result in the end. We could have lost as well but Lisa Rodgers made incredible saves at the end.

"I feel disappointed after because I think we should have done much better in the second half. I think we just invited them in the second half.

"We have a lot of youngsters who've been doing really good, but I think seeing who we have in the stands, they're incredible players who we can't wait to get back on the pitch."

Hibernian head coach Grant Scott: "We tidied up a few things at half-time.

"We looked a little bit sluggish in the first half, but no excuses for that we just couldn't quite get to the game at times.

"I thought the reaction in the second half was magnificent from the players, their commitment and desire to get that equaliser and then ultimately try and push on for the winner, which we did quite fine today, but I'm really pleased with the group again."

Image source, SNS

Rangers manager Leanne Crichton: "Ultimately again really pleased, three points, three goals and a clean sheet is always going to be a good feeling in any matchday.

"I thought we were just far too relaxed and just not ourselves in the first half.

"I just felt the response in the second half was night and day so it was really good to see. I think it was a real collective effort and we are pleased."

Aberdeen boss Scott Booth: "I'm frustrated to be honest, because we were really well organised.

"We got that part of our game right for the majority of the match. We limited Rangers to a couple of chances.

"We had a few chances ourselves early in the game and just didn't take them. Then later in the game, I think it was a few tired legs, but we made a few basic errors that cost us.

"It definitely wasn't a game where there were three goals in it."