'Moment of pride' as Rangers win first SWPL1 title after draw with Glasgow City

Rangers can share a "moment of pride" after the club clinched its first SWPL1 title three days after the men's team reached the Europa League final.

A goalless draw at home to Glasgow City - whose 14-year grip on the trophy ends - was enough to see Malky Thomson's side crowned champions.

The club also lost long-serving kitman Jimmy Bell before the men's side defeated RB Leipzig.

"It's been such an amazing week for the club," said midfielder Sam Kerr.

"We've made the Europa League final, sadly Jimmy Bell passed away. We're just so happy to do it all for the club and we can all celebrate together and have that moment of pride considering it was quite a sad week.

"Honestly just lost for words. We're overwhelmed and over the moon that we've finally done and I'm so proud of the group that we've got. We did what we had to do to get the result."

Established in 2008, Rangers' previous best finish was runner-up in 2014. They have won 24 of their 26 fixtures this season, their only two draws coming against City.

The newly-crowned champions have one game remaining - against derby rivals Celtic next Sunday - as they look to complete the league campaign undefeated.

"I'm so proud of everybody at Rangers," said head coach Thomson. "It's credit to everyone that works at Rangers to create that atmosphere. The girls' performance was second to none.

"The club's been through a lot with the loss of Jimmy and before that Walter Smith."

Rangers got the point they needed to win the title and depose Glasgow City as champions

Glasgow lose stranglehold on title

Glasgow City had won the previous 14 top-flight titles and have lost just once this season, a 3-1 defeat to Rangers in February.

It was always going to be a testing campaign for City. Rangers had a year to gel their squad and added to it with smart signings such as Scotland striker Jane Ross. Celtic, second last season, continue to be blessed with fine talent.

For City, they lost stalwarts Leanne Ross, who hung up her boots, and Leanne Crichton, who moved to Motherwell to become player-assistant. Manager Scott Booth departed for Birmingham City, with interim Grant Scott holding the fort until Eileen Gleeson was free to take over in November.

Glasgow let a two-goal lead slip to draw with Celtic in the league, then lost to the Parkhead side in the SWPL Cup final in December.

Despite the knocks, City will be in the Champions League qualifiers next term and they remain in the hunt for silverware with a Scottish Women's Cup final looming against Celtic on 29 May.

Wins for Celtic, Hibs, Hamilton & Motherwell

Elsewhere, Hibernian eased past Aberdeen 4-1, third-placed Celtic defeated Spartans 3-1, Hamilton Academical beat Partick Thistle 2-1 and Motherwell got the only goal against Hearts.

Eilidh Adams put Hibs in front, Bayley Hutchison levelled and Adams, a Kelly Forrest own goal and Michaela McAlonie took the home side to victory.

Kirstie McIntosh and Lindsey Blues netted as Hamilton recovered from Amy Bulloch's opener for Thistle.

Kaela McDonald-Nguah's second-half strike was enough to give Motherwell all three points.

Charlie Wellings' double put Celtic in charge against Spartans, who pulled a goal back through Sarah Clelland, before Larisey Clarissa got the visitors' third.