Brenna Lovera scores a penalty for Glasgow City against RangersSNS

Brenna Lovera won and converted the penalty for Glasgow City's winner

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Ibrox

Glasgow City defeated Rangers to move up to second spot in the SWPL table, but still remain three points off leaders Hibernian with four games to play.

Brenna Lovera scored City's opener late in the first half from the penalty spot, after she had been brought down by Rangers goalkeeper Jenna Fife.

Rangers offered very little in terms of goal threat in the first half apart from an early chance through Camille Lafaix, and fall to third in the table, five points off the top.

The home side were more threatening in the second half, but could not get the better of a resolute City.

A mistake at the back from City's Samantha van Diemen was almost punished early on, but Camille Lafaix - one of seven changes to the home line-up - cracked her effort off the bar.

City responded well and Lovera came close at the other end. But for Rangers defender Nicola Docherty's interception, the American would have had a tap-in.

Emily Whelan missed a glorious chance as she somehow shot wide, while City team-mate Katie Lockwood blazed over from close range.

But, with half-time looming, the visitors did get their goal. As Lovera was racing into the danger area she was brought down by Fife, who had returned to Rangers' starting line-up. Lovera tucked away from 12 yards.

City came out the blocks quickly in the second half, Aleigh Gambone's early shot flying over.

At the other end, Chelsea Cornet's effort failed to really trouble Lee Gibson, while Katy Wilkinson's shot was too high. Substitute Kirsty Howat did draw a save from Gibson as City held firm.

The games come thick and fast in the SWPL now. On Sunday, Glasgow City face Celtic in a match shown live on the BBC Sport website and app, while Rangers are at home to Motherwell. Hibernian visit Hearts on Sunday, with that game live on BBC Alba and iPlayer.

What they said

Rangers manager Jo Potter: "It was really disappointing, it's tough to put your finger on straight after the game because we didn't excel in any areas.

"It's really frustrating, it's really disappointing. I know we'll all feel that hurt because we've had a really good opportunity tonight and come so far away from it.

Glasgow City boss Leanne Ross: "The win means absolutely nothing unless we go and put in a decent performance on Sunday [against Celtic].

"We need to be ready, we need to keep fighting because that title race is not over."

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