Scottish Women's Football

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The PFA Scotland Women's Premier League Team of the Year has been revealed and Glasgow City and Hibernian have dominated.

Hibs' goalkeeper Erin Clachers makes the team, with a back-four made up of Emma Lawton (the only Celtic player selected), who has seven goals and six assists this season, alongside City's Samantha Van Diemen, Rangers' Leah Eddie and Hearts' 17-year-old defender, who has seven assists, Erin Husband.

Rangers' Kirsty MacLean lines up in midfield alongside Hearts' Eilidh Shore and City's Aleigh Gambone, who has seven assists for the season.

Eilidh Adams has scored 21 goals for Hibs and she makes the front three alongside Rangers' Katie Wilkinson who has recorded 32 goals and nine assists. Rounding out the front three is City's Brenna Lovera, who has scored 15 times.

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The latest twist in the SWPL saw Rangers head to the top of the table with a 2-1 victory over fellow title contenders Glasgow City on Wednesday night.

Rangers failed to capitalise last weekend after Hibs were beaten by Edinburgh rivals Hearts, allowing City to swoop in and take top spot.

But City's defeat to Rangers midweek, coupled with Hibs' goalless draw against Celtic, dropped City back to third and sent Rangers to the summit as the top flight table reshuffled again.

As things stand, Jo Potter's side are top on 62 points, Hibs are behind them on 61 and City are just one adrift on 60 points in third.

On Sunday Grant Scott's side host the league leaders knowing the winner is heading top of the table while the loser could slip to third spot (depending on the result in City's game against Hearts).

Hibs have only been beaten once by Rangers this season and that was a disappointing 5-0 defeat in the SWPL Cup final not so long ago - the Edinburgh club won the previous meeting 3-0 and the match before that ended all square at 1-1.

Since the cup final Hibs have won one of their three league outings (one draw and one defeat) while Rangers are unbeaten and Sunday is the next opportunity for these two to showcase their title credentials.

How to follow on BBC

The game between Hibernian and Rangers is live on BBC Alba which you can watch on the BBC Sport Scotland website and app, as well as on BBC iPlayer. It kicks off at 16:10 BST.

Hearts v Glasgow City is the early game and you'll be able to follow all the action live on the BBC Sport Scotland website and app when it kicks off at 13:00 BST. There will also be live text commentary of all of Sunday's matches there too.

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Montrose manager Craig Feroz will step down at the end of the SWPL season after four years at Links Park.

In a statement, Montrose said the 47-year-old is leaving "in pursuit of a fresh challenge".

Feroz took charge in 2021 and guided the club to the top flight with back-to-back titles.

His side are battling for survival this term as they sit third bottom, six points adrift of safety with seven games left.

Montrose said: "The club is extremely grateful for everything Craig has achieved and would like to express its heartfelt thanks for the outstanding professionalism, passion and leadership that he has brought to the role."

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Scotland internationals Hayley Lauder and Lee Gibson have both signed contract extensions to stay at Glasgow City until summer 2026.

Midfielder Lauder, 34, has made more than 250 appearances and helped City win seven SWPL titles since joining in 2014.

"I still want to have more success and City is the place that matches my ambition." she said.

"I've been here for a long time now. I've seen the club's progression and I'm delighted to extend my stay."

Goalkeeper Gibson, 33, has won 20 trophies with City across two spells.

She said: "This is a standalone club and is the most successful in Scottish women's football for a reason. There is nowhere else I would rather be."

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Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross: "The way the teams passed the ball, there maybe wasn't too many chances within the game, but the overriding feeling for me was frustration that we've lost that game after going in front.

"We had really good chances to go further ahead. In saying that, Rangers had decent chances in the first half that we've probably been lucky to escape at that point.

"We need to dust ourselves down, look at what we did well and take that forward into the remaining games. But we also need to tidy up on the mistakes we made, because it's precious points now, we can't afford to be dropping too many."

Rangers head coach Jo Potter: "I thought we were dominant, it took us a little bit by surprise to go 1-0 down early in the game but I was really impressed with the character, we didn't crumble, we still pushed, we managed to get a goal and get back into it before half-time.

"The game as a whole, we sustained a lot of pressure, we spent a lot of time in City's half, played some good stuff when we got to control in the end.

"The players have done great, they've took everything on board and they've come up with a big three points."

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Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "Our final third is not good enough, the decision-making offensively is not the best, we don't create enough clear chances to score, that is very frustrating.

"We defended really well in terms of the backline and Kelsey [Daugherty] making amazing saves that works hard to keep the zero, but [I'm] very, very frustrated and disappointed in terms of how we can't break them offensively. The decision-making was unfortunately too poor.

"That was something we talked about before this game, how to create better chances and not hesitating, just like play what you see and that's something that unfortunately we didn't do so well, that's why we didn't score any goals."

Hibs head coach Grant Scott: "Always respectful to our opponents but we played well, probably dominated a lot of the match, and certainly created the better opportunities and chances.

"Their keeper made three or four remarkable saves, so in a way we're disappointed not to win but as tight as the points tally is with other teams, I don't know how important this one point will be.

"Credit to the players, a good bounce back performance from the weekend. Delighted with the performance, unfortunate not to win."

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Queen's Park head coach Iain Robinson: "For us it shows the levels that we got to that we're frustrated losing 1-0 to a side like Partick Thistle.

"I thought we were the better side, more threatening when we got the ball and kept it. The patterns that we got in to and the way we passed the ball and connected with each other, and got into some really dangerous areas, it was brilliant, but it's just the final, putting the ball into the net."

Partick Thistle assistant manager Ross Stormonth: "I'm delighted, we made it a bit nervy, missed a couple of chances but overall very delighted with the performance.

"We played better than we did on Sunday against Dundee United, we had some really good moments, just a bit in the final third lacked in terms of end product and final pass but we controlled the game at times and we looked really comfortable in possession which was good, so loads of positives from the last two performances."

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Aberdeen head coach Scott Booth: "I was generally pleased with the way the team played. When you come here, you have to match their aggression, they play a direct game.

"What happened was when we made any mistake at all, it was capitalised on. It was just one of those games, because for the majority we controlled possession.

"We've got to take this one on the chin. There was nothing in the game whatsoever really in terms of chances."

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Hearts assistant head coach Pascal Xanthos: "It was a very tough game, there were two teams on the pitch, one team was trying to play and the other was trying to destroy most of the time.

"We knew that was going to be the destiny of that game and we were prepared for that.

"We altered a couple of things during half-time and that gave us the success that we wanted, that gave the players the confidence to continue."

Motherwell assistant coach Colin Crichton: "It was probably a game of two halves, first half we were very defensive, we go into the break 0-0, it was a solid, really composed and mature performance.

"We're good in our shape and we're good defensively but we're not really posing a threat up the other side of the pitch, but that's left us a bit more exposed.

"I'm very, very proud of the girls, another tough opponent and we come through it with our dignity."

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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SWPL rivals Celtic, Rangers and Glasgow City could groundshare under an ambitious proposal from the president of the Scottish FA.

Mike Mulraney wants the SFA to build a new stadium to be a ''hub'' for the women's game in this country, serving as a home ground for Celtic, Rangers and City.

SFA president Mulraney hopes the new stadium would help grow the women's game in Scotland before the 2035 Women's World Cup, which is set to be held across the United Kingdom.

"It's at an embryonic stage," Mulraney says. "We think it's an avenue that can be successful. We are trying to build the women's game from the bottom up."

Improving the footballing infrastructure in Scotland is one of the SFA's main priorities and its 'Pitching In' project has already raised more than £13m of its £50m target, but it is hoped the new stadium can be raised from other sources.

Rangers currently play their home matches at council-owned Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, while Celtic rent Hamilton's New Douglas Park. City play at council-owned Petershill Park.

City have signalled their approval for the idea of a new stadium to be considered.

A club spokesperson told BBC Scotland: ''It's no secret we continue to be committed to finding a home for our club in Glasgow, a place where women and girls who love football can thrive.

"We will continue to explore every opportunity to make that happen."

While the prospect of Rangers and Celtic ground-sharing might be a shock to the system of Old Firm fans, Mulraney says fresh thinking is required to accelerate the growth of women's football.

''We can't just replicate the men's game, we have to do things differently," he adds. "It's about us stepping up to build the sport and think bigger.

''It would be fantastic to have a stadium that would be a hub for the women's game in Scotland."

Mulraney isn't ruling out an existing stadium being redeveloped to house the women's football hub.

"Nothing is off the table," he says. "We want to build an infrastructure for the sport without being harnessed to the past."

"They'll be kicking themselves."

The Behind the Goals podcast can only be talking about Hibernian's derby defeat to Hearts.

The then-league leaders shot into an early lead against their city rivals, but Eva Olid's Hearts dug deep and dished out just Hibs' third loss of the season.

Though it's one which has seen them slip to second on goal difference, given Glasgow City's 24-goal swing.

With seven games still to play, Grant Scott's side are far from hitting the panic button, but could this be the result they rue the most if they fail in their pursuit of the SWPL title?

That's the fear for Scotland captain Rachel Corsie, anyway.

"In some ways, Hibs have done exceptionally well this season; they've shown they can compete, very much deserve to be where they are," said Corsie on the Behind the Goals podcast.

"It just feels like every time you think they get a good result, put themselves in that sort of one foot up, they then just don't back it up, and I feel for them to lose against Hearts, that's a real disappointing result.

"If it gets to the end of the season, you look back and you think, where are the points lost that you would look at and say, 'wow, that now is really disappointing'.

"I do feel like that game will be one that's in there and not because I'm discrediting Hearts, and I know it's been a competitive fixture season, and both teams have a lot of positivity you can put on both of those clubs at the moment.

Despite the defeat, co-host and Glasgow City assistant Leanne Crichton still thinks there's "a long way to go," with seven games still left to play in the league.

"It's a sore one, it absolutely is. They'll be kicking themselves, but there's still such a long way to go," added Crichton.

"To lose that game and still be effectively joint top of the table on points, the situation could be a lot worse than what it is.

"I don't think it will be overkill this week in terms of it being a negative response or Hibs being too disappointed because it's like us as well at the top, just now it feels like you've got an element of control over what can happen.

"I think every split fixture now, with the seven games remaining, you go back into Wednesday, there's going to be no surprise if we're sitting here next week after the Wednesday, Sunday fixtures, and the league table looks completely different again."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Charlotte Parker-Smith (Hearts): Made a vital save to prevent Hibs from going two goals up. If they had doubled their lead, this game could have had a different outcome come. She also produced an excellent save to keep out a derby-day equaliser. Key for Eva Olid's side this weekend.

Robyn McCafferty (Spartans): A big win for Spartans and the captain helped contain Aberdeen. Could be a big three points for the Edinburgh side as it moves them further away from the three relegation spots.

Lizzie Waldie (Hearts): Great drive and determination helped her set up the initial attack that led to Hearts' equaliser. At the other end, her clearances near the end of the match were vital in stopping dangerous Hibs attacks.

Sam van Diemen (Glasgow City): Solid at the back for City and composed on the ball. As well as doing her defensive duties well, she also looked to play out from the back and set up attacks as she did for City's third goal.

Katie Lockwood (Glasgow City): Took both her goals really well and refused to give up for the 90 minutes. Her persistence was rewarded.

Lauren Wade (Hearts): Came on at the start of the second half with Hearts trailing 1-0 and made quite the impact. She set up the Hearts equaliser and came close to adding to the scoreline with her attacking intent.

Olivia Chomczuk (Spartans): Helped her team to what could be a crucial win. She remained composed for her penalty. Having just seen one of her team-mates miss from the spot, she stepped up and scored.

Kirsty Maclean (Rangers): Showed plenty skill as she broke-up play and won possession to set up attacks. Showed great persistence to get the ball, and great calmness on it.

Brenna Lovera (Glasgow City): Scored two great goals and set up City's third, whether intentional or not. Her first was a clever header, while her second was a terrific curling effort. That's now 16 goals this season.

Kirsty Howat (Rangers): Was alert to some slack play from Celtic as she put her side in front. Worked her socks off looking for another.

Amy Gallacher (Celtic): Came on as a second half substitute and had an instant impact, scoring a big goal for her side to get them back into the derby.

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Motherwell assistant coach Colin Crichton: "The game plan was to contain. We're under no illusions about how well Glasgow City will move the ball, their quality and possession individually and collectively.

"We were looking to contain, we were looking to spoil, we've conceded in 26-27 minutes from a direct entry from a set play, we're really disappointed from that aspect."

Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross: "Coming back off the international break into a three-game week, it's really tough. The players need to recover quickly and we need to have them ready.

"We've got a plan in place for the three games and it was nice to be able to make sure that we shared out the minutes today in the first game this week.

"We've assembled a really strong squad this season. We've got players that are really challenging each other to start in this team and it's pleasing to see."

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Hearts manager Eva Olid: "In the first half they came pressing, man-marking and we didn't expect that and it was not the game plan and then we tried to change things during the first half.

But it was difficult and then we had to wait until half-time to change things and it worked really well tactically and of course the change that we did first in the half-time worked really well so I'm happy."

Hibernian head coach Grant Scott: "We're here to win football matches and not lose them. So it's a difficult one, we'll need to dust ourselves down. There's no time to think about this one really before Wednesday's match, good one to bounce back in to.

"We let Hearts into the game a little bit from mostly our own mistakes, bad passes in bad areas and we tried to correct that with the girls during the half and I thought we finished the half reasonably strong, but really didn't then come out in the second half and restart so it made the game very difficult for ourselves."

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Rangers head coach Jo Potter: "It's not the end of the world. I think the players are disappointed, you can see that. I thought we controlled large parts of the game, we just couldn't get that second goal.

"We nullified them to minimal chances on goal. We hit the bar in the first half, if that goes in it's a different game, but that's football for you.

"We've got to make sure that we're keeping our heads high because these games are coming up. You can see everyone's got to play each other so many times that to not lose today and get a point out of this game is going to be a positive.

Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "I don't know if I'm disappointed. In the first half, we're not the best. In the second half, we show up and I think we should win this game.

"In the second half, I think we create enough chances and Ashworth-Clifford's chance in the end needs to be onside and she needs to score with her right.

"But overall, I'm really happy how the players came out in the second half and created chances to win the game."