Glasgow City v CelticSWPL

Brenna Lovera got Glasgow City's opener

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at New Douglas Park

Glasgow City moved top of the SWPL, level on points with Hibernian, after they snatched a dramatic, late victory against Celtic to leave the reigning champions six points adrift.

Kimberley Smit forced the ball into the net via a deflection with four minutes left to dent the hosts' hopes of back-to-back titles.

It seemed as though a draw was destined between the sides on their fifth meeting in all competitions this season when Saoirse Noonan slotted Elena Sadiku's side level.

Off the back of her recall to the Republic of Ireland squad, the forward's fantastic first touch set her up after Emma Lawton's exquisite cross-field pass.

And while the leveller was celebrated, there was a feeling the home side needed another to keep their dreams of a second league win alive.

They tried with all their might, and dominated the second half having been under the cosh before the break, but were left floundering when City whipped a corner into a congested box.

Leanne Ross' side might have struck against the run of play then, but their opener was well deserved following a dominant first-half display.

Brenna Lovera's ambitious finish from an acute angle was just rewards for the 16-time SWPL winners who top the table on goal difference for now, before Hibs face Motherwell on Sunday with the chance to move clear once more.

What they said

Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "The [small] margins in the game cost us. It just feels like we need some luck, like we need something just to give us something in terms of margins.

"It's so harsh, it hurts so much, but I said to the players, I was really proud of how they took the tactical changes and how they fought so hard for each other."

On whether the league title is beyond their grasp, Sadiku added: "It's never beyond our reach. We're going to fight hard because we can't surrender."

Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross: "The most pleasing part for me is that Celtic had pegged us back in the second half and we showed a bit of character.

"In seasons gone by, we've maybe come and performed like that and ended up dropping points but we've dug in, seen it out and come away with three points."

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