Scottish Women's Football

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Despite nine league titles, six Scottish Cups and six SWPL Cups to her name, Nicola Docherty has not lost the hunger for more silverware.

The Scotland left-back has the chance to take her tally of domestic honours to 22 on Saturday when she leads out Rangers in the SWPL Cup final against Hibernian, targeting a triumph that would "mean everything".

"It just gets even better, to be honest," Docherty said of earning silverware.

"I think any time you win a trophy, it's as good as the last one. If you compare the very first trophy win in my career to the chance of winning another one on Saturday, it feels even better.

"It would mean everything."

As someone who can often be heard bawling orders on the pitch, you'd be forgiven for thinking the 32-year-old excels in pre-match rallying cries as the captain.

But it appears that's not the case.

"I'm not really one for big team talks," Docherty added.

"I can only speak to people individually, I think that's just me.

"There's a lot of experience within the dressing room, people have their people to go to and we obviously have our team talks from [head coach] Jo [Potter] right before the game, so that gets us up for it."

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Hibernian "couldn't have dreamt to be in this position" at the start of the season, says midfielder Kirsten Reilly.

Grant Scott's side sit top of the SWPL and have Saturday's SWPL Cup final against Reilly's former side Rangers to look forward to.

The 29-year-old returned to Scottish football last summer after two years with Crystal Palace and couldn't have imagined such a scintillating first season back in her homeland.

"It would be absolutely massive," if Hibs win a record-extending eighth SWPL Cup, said Reilly.

"At the beginning of the season we probably couldn't have dreamt to be where we are right now, but the group of girls are great," she added.

"We really support each other, we play for each other and we play for the badge. So to win another trophy, under Grant again, would be amazing."

The Musselburgh-born midfielder lifted the SWPL Cup twice during her first spell with her childhood club, in addition to the Scottish Cup, and she's been mightily impressed by the growth at Hibs since she left in 2019.

"Hibs weren't professional when I was last here and the league as a whole has grown," she added.

"But at Hibs, the facilities, the staff, the players, everything that we see on a daily basis at the training centre, has all improved. It's really great and I'm loving it."

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Rangers head coach Jo Potter admits she's been "surprised by Hibernian's consistency" as her side vie for their first win against the Edinburgh club this season in Saturday's SWPL Cup final.

Grant Scott's table-toppers enjoyed a 3-0 win against Rangers in their least league meeting, while the spoils were shared in October.

Potter said that record gives Rangers "an added incentive" to get the job done and retain the League Cup, but appreciates it will be far from straightforward against a side with "great momentum".

"I think we always knew Hibs had that potential, it's just the rise in such a short amount of time that has probably raised a few eyebrows," the former England international said.

"But we all know these players and Grant have been around the league for a long time. You know what they're doing right now, they've got great momentum and they've got great confidence after a couple of really good results.

"I think what was more surprising for me is it's lasted so long, this consistency. It's great for them, of course, but we want to be the ones to stop it.

"It brings a little bit of extra spice that we haven't beat our opponents in the league this year either, so that that's a little bit of an added incentive for us."

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Victory in the SWPL Cup final would be "the stamp of approval" that Hibernian have got back to where head coach Grant Scott wanted the side to be when he returned in June 2023.

Scott, who signed a two-year contract extension last month, enjoyed success in both domestic cups during his first spell in charge of the Edinburgh club in 2018 and 2019, and set his sights on reaching such heights on his return.

Much changed in the women's game during his time away from the club, with increased investment from Celtic, Rangers and Hearts - as well as Glasgow City's maintained dominance - leaving Hibs a little behind.

That was before this season, though, as Scott's side top the SWPL after the first round of post-split fixtures, in addition to their spot in Saturday's final at Fir Park where they face holders Rangers.

"When I returned to the club, along with some of the players that we've brought in, the aim was to get our women's side back to that level of competition, to competing for the deep end into the competitions," Grant said.

"I think winning it gives us a good marker that we've done our jobs well, but I don't think losing it has the counter.

"We've done well to get where we are as the league's changed so much, the competition's much fiercer, but I think winning it just gives us that stamp of approval that we've done what we set out to do.

"And for me, it puts Hibs women back to where they were and where I rightly believe they should be."

Hibs boss Grant Scott - a self-confessed "boring, plain guy" - joins Rachel Corsie and Leanne Crichton to discuss his side's hopes of glory in the SWPL Cup final against Rangers on Saturday.

And with the Hibees flying high at the top, is the SWPL the most competitive league in Europe?

It's all on the Behind the Goals podcast - listen and subscribe on BBC Sounds.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Noa Schumacher (Hibs): Goalkeeper was really alert, making some brave saves and good clearances for Hibs when under a fair bit of pressure from Glasgow City. Certainly played a part in helping Hibs move clear at the top of the table.

Cassie Cowper (Montrose): Defender was solid at the back as Thistle couldn't break Montrose down. Helped her team to what could be a big win as they look to move away from relegation danger.

Emma Brownlie (Hearts): The captain got Hearts off the mark with their opening goal and set up some dangerous attacks with a couple of lovely balls forward. Also influential at the back helping to keep Celtic at bay.

Tessel Middag (Rangers): The versatile, experienced head was composed on the ball, always looking to play forward. Her ball in for Rangers' fifth goal against Motherwell was inch perfect.

Lizzie Arnott (Rangers): The winger was so influential out wide for Rangers with her pace and deliveries. Notched up a hat-trick of assists and tried her luck with a couple of efforts at goal too.

Ciara Grant (Hibs): Whether it was breaking up play or supporting attacks, she was in the thick of all that was good about Hibs. The deep-lying midfielder played a part in the winner with a clever short corner right at the death.

Francesca Ogilvie (Aberdeen): The attacking-minded Ogilvie picked up a goal and an assist, helping Aberdeen to an important win over Dundee United as the Dons look to finish best of the bottom six.

Hannah Jordan (Spartans): The ever-energetic attacker's two goals earned three vital points at Queen's Park for Spartans as they look to keep clear of the relegation spots.

Georgia Timms (Hearts): The striker's good form continues with two significant goals. She found good space and was alert to her team-mates providing the openings for her to finish.

Kirsty Morrison (Hibs): Talk about brave. The forward got the final touch to give Hibs a massive win. The goal, and victory, moved her side clear at to the top of the table. How vital could that diving header be in this title race?

Katie Wilkinson (Rangers): Another game, another goal - or three - for Rangers' lethal striker. This hat-trick helped Jo Potter's side bounce back to winning ways in the league. Her positioning is spot on, while her powerful shots proved unstoppable.

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Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross: "I'm not just saying this because we lost the game, but, I thought it was poor in quality from both teams. It was really scrappy and I don't think either team deserved to win if I'm honest.

"That wasn't the normal Hibs-Glasgow City encounter that you normally see, and that's disappointing.

"We never really got started, there was no flow and that really effected us.

"It's a sucker-punch at the end. We're off to the worst possible start in the split and we need to be better and I've got every faith the players will be better."

Hibernian head coach Grant Scott: "I'm absolutely delighted, it's a massive three points for us. Glasgow City are very strong and had us pinned in.

"I feel like it's a bit of a smash-and-grab. Credit to the players for getting up the pitch at that time in the game when we'd been under the cosh.

"Our success so far has been built on our structure at the back. We're looking quite secure right now.

"We appreciate the moment, but, nothing is won or lost. It's very, very tight and there's a long way to go."

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Hearts manager Eva Olid: "It's so important at this point, starting the split we wanted to show that we're in the fight for the title.

"This week, the media didn't put us in the race for the title and we are so disappointed with that because there are still a lot of points to be played for.

"But, I have to say thank you because when someone tells me that I cannot do something, I want to do more, so thank you so much!"

Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "First half we were not at it in terms of intensity and pressure, we gave them too much time on the ball. I spoke about that at half-time, and things were better in the second half.

"At 2-1, we were back in it but at 3-1, we gave ourselves a big mountain to climb after that.

"There is big pressure on us from external factors, fans. We know we're the champions, we want to defend the title and I think that comes with it.

"Pressure is the best thing ever, it's s privilege. It should keep you on your toes, but I think that's something the players aren't used to yet."

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Motherwell head coach Paul Brownlie: "It was a difficult afternoon for us. We never started the game well and from there, we never really recovered.

"The energy and character we showed right until the end cannot be faulted.

"The scoreline is a tough one to take and it's a big setback for us but we need to come back stronger and that's the challenge for us."

Rangers head coach Jo Potter: "I thought we dominated the game, it was a very good 90-minute performance from us.

"We handled the pressure well. We knew coming into this game that it was never going to be an easy game, Motherwell are very deserving of their top six spot and I think they've looked really strong this year.

"But, we were excellent and we really showed our quality today. Something we've really been lacking in recent weeks."

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Montrose manager Craig Feroz: "That's a massive result for us. I asked for fight from the girls, and they gave me fight.

"The second half we dominated them well and we came away with a deserved victory."

Partick Thistle assistant manager Ross Stormonth: "We're very disappointed, that was a poor performance all round.

"We never really got going, the little bits you need to do well, we didn't do."

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Queen's Park head coach Iain Robinson: "Disappointment is the main reaction in the group.

"We knew the importance of the fixture coming in, but we didn't really compete well enough. We didn't react to second balls, we didn't provide enough of a threat and the two goals we concede are poor from our perspective.

"There's still big belief in the group, but, we realise it's going to be very, very hard for us."

Spartans head coach Jack Beesley: "We're delighted with the three points. We knew it'd be a massively important game, especially with Montrose winning.

"We controlled the game quite well, we had to soak a little bit of pressure from Queen's Park as they're fighting for their lives, but I don't think Alicia [Yates] was too troubled in goal.

"We had so many chances to pick the right option in the final third but we don't do it enough, which has been the story of our season, but we get the goal towards the end which calmed everyone down."

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Aberdeen head coach Scott Booth: "We're really happy with the performance. We dominated much of the game.

"Dundee United are difficult to play against, they started the better team but we managed to get through that phase.

"Overall, though, our football was excellent. We created numerous chances and took two of them - they were very good chances."

Dundee United head coach Suzy Shepherd: "We're disappointed not to get some points on the board. I thought we were excellent for large spells, so I'm so proud of them.

"We were so organised, we communicated really well and played to our game plan. We were outdone by two crosses, but we've created good chances and we need to start taking them."

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Not only is it a top of the table clash between Glasgow City and Hibs on Sunday, it also marks the Glasgow club's 500th SWPL game so it's a no brainer pick for game of the weekend.

It's the first game of the split and City and Hibs are joint on points at the top of the SWPL table, the former are narrowly ahead on goal difference.

A top of the table battle between these two isn't new but it hasn't happened in a while.

In fact, only once between 2013 and 2019 did City and Hibs not finish as the top two, while the pair met in a number of cup finals too, before the investment in Old Firm women's teams.

This season, Hibs have been flying under Grant Scott and have overcome each of the teams around them - most recently reigning champions Celtic.

They've got the best record in the league in their previous six games, having won every single one while opponents Glasgow City have won four, lost one and drawn one.

In their previous two meetings this term, City won one and Hibs have won the other. Before then, it was April 2024 when Hibs last beat City - a Scottish Cup match that went to penalties. Before that though, you'd have to go all the way back to 2017 for a Hibs victory over City.

One thing's for certain on Sunday - there's going to be goals. It's been almost three years since these sides last played out a goalless draw and April 2024 was the last time one of these games was decided by a 1-0 victory (in that game it went City's way).

Since then it's been goals galore for both sides - in fact they've scored seven between them in the two games this term and with a place (three points clear) at the top of the table at stake, you'd expect goals again this time out.

How to follow on BBC

The top of the table clash, which kicks off at 14:10 GMT, is live on BBC Alba as well as the BBC Sport Scotland website and app.

Later on in the day you can watch Hearts v Celtic live on the website and app, it gets under way at 16:00 GMT.

There will also be live text coverage of all of Sunday's matches available on the website and app.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Eighteen-year-old Mia McAulay is reminded of how fortunate she is on a daily basis at Rangers.

The winger is known to whinge a little bit when asked to fill up the water bottles. A tedious task it may be, but a tiny sacrifice compared to what some of her senior team-mates had to go through to get to where they are now.

Despite her minor complaints, McAulay's self-awareness is obvious and she knows she's "coming through at the right time" for a career in women's football.

She signed her first professional contract aged 16 back in July 2023.

In comparison, club captain and Scotland international Nicola Docherty was 27 when she made the switch from Glasgow City to Rangers in search of full-time, professional football.

"They're always telling me that I should feel lucky," McAulay said of the likes of Docherty and Kathy Hill.

"Only needing to fill up the water bottles each day, I'm always moaning about having to do the water bottles and they're saying that I have it lucky.

"When they tell me stuff that they had to do when they were younger, I'm like 'nah!'".

The senior players might rib McAulay, but they also provide sage advice as the youngster seeks to embark on a long career.

"When you look at our team and see how many role models there are with all their experience, it's vital." McAulay added.

"I know I could go to any of them and ask for any bit of advice that I need. They're so good with me, the older players, they're so good with the young kids, so I know if I ever need them, they've got my back."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Shannon McGregor thinks "a lot of people are underestimating" reigning SWPL champions Celtic while the midfielder insists they're "not panicking".

McGregor made the switch to the champions in the summer from Hibernian and has impressed for Elena Sadiku's side who are "enjoying the pressure".

Celtic trail joint-leaders Glasgow City and Hibs by three points but says the squad "don't want to lose the feeling" of being champions.

"I think a lot of people are underestimating us, but I don't think we're panicking, though I do think a lot of people think we are," the Scotland midfielder said at an event at Hampden.

"But we've got the belief and the mentality in the changing room to do it. We enjoy the pressure and take each game as it comes."

Having had a congested campaign with domestic duties and group stage games in the Champions League earlier in the season, Celtic's sole focus is now on retaining the league title having been knocked out in both the Scottish and League Cup.

"The players [who won the league last year] have that fire in their stomach," the 25-year-old added.

"It's encouraging and it spreads through the changing room. They don't ever want to lose that feeling again."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Take a glance at the SWPL table and you'd be forgiven for then having a quick check at what year we're in.

The SWPL has "a nostalgic feel about it," says Hayley Lauder, with old foes Glasgow City and Hibernian topping the standings.

Only once between 2013 and 2019 did City and Hibs not finish as the top two, while the pair met in a number of cup finals too, before the investment in Old Firm women's teams.

Investment which many onlookers thought would spell the end of City's time at the top of the tree. How they've been proved wrong.

"I think the media and the noise create a narrative where because Rangers and Celtic have invested, that's the end of Glasgow City," captain Lauder told BBC Scotland.

"But I think we've very much shown that Glasgow City are going nowhere."

And with serial winners, Leanne Ross and Leanne Crichton at the helm, one wouldn't expect that to change any time soon.

Lauder is one of the few players at City to have been a team-mate of the now head coach and assistant, so is there any difference to their days on the pitch?

"They're still shouting at me, just now as coaches!" Lauder added.

"That's just who they are. They're winners. They're both winners. They want the best for us and the best for the club. I think we're showing that for them this season."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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With four teams separated by three points, the SWPL has "the best title race in Europe," according to managing director Fiona McIntyre.

Glasgow City and Hibernian are locked at the top, with Rangers two points back and reigning champions Celtic one further behind as the league enters its split for the final 10 games.

Speaking at an event at Hampden promoting the top-six split, which is completed by Hearts and Motherwell, McIntyre said contemporaries across Europe "are talking about the Scottish game".

"They ask us about the split in particular, because that is quite unique to Scotland," McIntyre said.

"Not many leagues do it, so we obviously have reaped the rewards of that. The run-in tends to be super competitive because the top teams are playing against each other.

"But people are talking about the SWPL. They're asking what we've done structurally in terms of our governance, but also in terms of our competition format.

"That's part of my role, to try and advocate for Scottish football and make sure that the rest of Europe and the world are talking about Scottish women's football.

"We're just delighted that we've got an incredible run-in to look forward to, and I think we've got the best title race in Europe, I really do.

"To have, after 22 games, four clubs within three points of each other, it's unprecedented, or certainly something that I can't recall in recent memory."