Scottish Women's Football

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Colin Poultney/SWPL

The clock is ticking down to the final SWPL games of the season and it's still anyone's title to play for.

Here are a few things to keep an eye on this weekend.

Derby decider

According to Rangers manager Jo Potter, Sunday's Old Firm derby against Celtic is a "must win" if her side want to keep their title (and treble) hopes alive.

As things stand, Rangers are five points off Hibs at the top with three games left. They also have a Scottish Cup final to think about at the end of the month.

"These games are always massive," Potter said of Sunday's derby.

"Each game is going to be huge from now until the end of the season. It's no different to what it's been in the last few. It's just getting a lot closer now and we've got to make sure that we're doing everything we can to take three points.

"One result can change the outcome of a whole dynamic."

Celtic are mathematically out of the race after their 3-1 defeat to Glasgow City last weekend but still in with a very slim shout of a European spot - they need to win all their remaining games and need the teams above them to lose.

"We want to prove that we're much better than this season has shown," manager Elena Sadiku said.

"That is something that is going to be very important, we've got to play for pride and show character in the last three games."

The meetings between the this season have been close affairs.

Last month at Broadwood, Amy Gallacher salvaged a point for Celtic when she cancelled out Kirsty Howat's early strike. The game before that Rangers edged 3-2 while the first derby of the season, back in October, ended 2-2.

There's never a dull game between these two.

Top-of-table clash

Potter will also be keeping a close eye on the early game at Meadowbank between top two Hibs and Glasgow City.

Could it be one of the games where the eventual winners will look back on as where the title was won?

Currently, Hibs are three points ahead of Sunday's opponents with nine still to play for.

These two have met three times already this season, Hibs have won two and City came out on top in the other, but this weekend there's even more at stake.

Victory for Hibs would move them six points clear with six to play for and would put Grant Scott's side firmly in the driving seat for the remaining matches against Celtic and Rangers.

A win for City would put them top, thanks to their superior goal difference, before their final two matches against Motherwell and Hearts.

Montrose continue survival fight

Aberdeen fought back to snatch a point in Wednesday night's 2-2 draw at Pittodrie in another setback to Montrose's SWPL survival hopes.

Craig Feroz's side occupy the final relegation spot - Dundee United and Queen's Park have already had their drop to SWPL 2 confirmed - and are two points off Spartans in safety.

They're up against a Partick Thistle side who've had a pretty turbulent season and are heading into Sunday's game off the back of a 2-0 defeat to the Dons last weekend.

A win for Montrose makes things very interesting for the final three games. It would move them two points behind Thistle and, depending on results elsewhere, out of the drop zone.

How to follow on BBC

There's two games live across the BBC this weekend. The big one at the top between Hibs and Glasgow City is live on BBC Alba, it kicks off at 12:10 BST.

Later, Celtic v Rangers is also on the BBC Alba channel. It kicks off at 16:10 BST.

You can also watch both games on BBC iPlayer as well as the BBC Sport website and app and there will be live text coverage of all of Sunday's games there too.

Image source, SNS

Glasgow City goalkeeper Lee Gibson believes her side's experience in tight title races can help them triumph in a "crazy" SWPL season, with a vital match against league leaders Hibs looming on Sunday.

Hibs are three points ahead of City in second with three matches of the season remaining.

Given City's superior goal difference, a win for Leanne Ross' side this weekend could prove crucial as they try to win their 17th SWPL crown.

City seized the title with a stoppage-time strike on the final day of the 2022-23 season before Celtic pipped Rangers to glory in similar circumstances last term.

Gibson is not underestimating the task at hand, but insists City will "do everything" to make sure the trophy ends up in their hands.

"Every game when it comes to the split is massive and Sunday is a big one," Gibson said.

"It's away from home, against a team that's been flying high all season. Hibs have been league leaders for a long time this season so we respect what they've done.

"We're fortunate that we've had experience over the years, we've seen it come down to the final day in the last two seasons so we're going to do everything we can to make sure the title is ours.

"In my time there was a big rivalry between City and Hibs and the split is crazy and Rangers are still in it as well. As Glasgow City we need to make sure we come out on top."

Image source, SNS

Scotland and Rangers defender Leah Eddie is excited for a "fresh start" under new national team head coach Melissa Andreatta.

Pedro Martinez Losa was dismissed as Scotland boss after the failure to reach Euro 2025 - the third major tournament in a row they have missed.

Former Australia assistant Andreatta was appointed his permanent successor last month after interim head coach Mick McArdle had overseen four straight defeats.

Scotland face Austria and the Netherlands in their remaining Nations League fixtures in just over three weeks and Eddie is looking forward to a "clean slate" under Andreatta.

"It's an exciting time for everyone involved," Eddie told BBC Scotland.

"She is coming in full of energy and wanting to do well so hopefully she can implement what she wants and we can start getting the results that we want.

"Everyone's really looking forward to getting to know her. It's a clean slate.

"I've not heard much about her or worked with her or know people who have worked with her which I think could be a good thing. But I think it's such an exciting time for the national team.

"A fresh start was maybe exactly what the national team needed and focusing on each camp at a time.

"Getting her in the door and hopefully everyone's on board with the way she wants to play and bring success. I'm sure if we do that everything will be fine."

Scotland captain Rachel Corsie feared she wouldn't be able to run again let alone play football as she struggled to fight back from long-term injury.

The 35-year-old Aston Villa defender had knee surgery in October that was expected to keep her out for eight weeks.

But her comeback attempts were halted by calf and hip problems before the Villa skipper finally made her first appearance of the season as a late substitute in last week's win over Arsenal.

Speaking on the BBC's Behind the Goals podcast, Corsie said: "It wasn't that many weeks ago where I genuinely was having conversations with a physio and I remember, I've not cried that many times, but I did cry one day in the physio room.

"We got to the point where I was like, I don't know if I'd ever run again. It wasn't even about will I play football again, I was just like I'd like to be able to go for a jog.

"We reshuffled the rehab plan, the goal is you're trying to return to your sport, so it's very much like how can you play football again.

"We had to switch that to be like I just don't think I can run, running is the thing that causes me the most pain.

"That's how broken my body did feel at one point. Playing again at that moment in time, that's not even something I'm going to put focus to, I just would like to be able to do this.

"Then you chip away and you build yourself back up. Because of all those ups and downs, finishing training on Tuesday before the Arsenal game last week, that was the moment where I felt the greatest relief.

"That was the biggest celebration for me because I'd got through that session which meant I could be in the matchday squad."

Corsie insists chasing a return to Scotland duty was the "biggest factor" in her recovery and she wants to continue her international career under newly-appointed head coach Melissa Andreatta.

"I've just wanted to put myself in a position where I could say I was fit and available, it's so disappointing to have had to miss the last four camps," added Corsie.

"It's really nice to say I am now in a place where I can say that I'm fit.

"Playing for Scotland is the absolute best thing, and it's been the biggest factor in me wanting to strive to actually get back to this point."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park

Image source, SNS

Melissa Andreatta's predecessor, Pedro Martinez Losa, was dismissed because of his inability to guide Scotland to Euro 2025. The third major tournament in a row the Scots failed to reach.

A battered and bruised side fell to their knees in December at the Bolt Arena in Helsinki while Finland were celebrating and planning for Switzerland this summer.

Although Scotland have become all too familiar with failure, Andreatta insists the job, and the move around the world with her family, "wasn't a hard sell" and she is confident of "competing on the world stage" with her new team.

"My family know what I'm very passionate about and what I've dreamt of for a long time in my football career and that's to be a head coach," the Australian said at her first media conference.

"It wasn't a hard sell. Whether you're a player or a coach, you want to mix it with the best. You want to be at the highest level and I think of that 12-year-old Mel who dreamt of being a gold medallist at the Olympic Games.

"I think that's the same thing to me, being at the highest level competing against the best on the world stage is things that dreams are made of.

"It would be an honour, a privilege, a dream come true for me as well, but more importantly for a group of players who have been working hard at this for many years - some just starting out on their journey - and it would be super special for them.

"That's what I'm all about, supporting a group of people with this one goal to all get on the same page, aligned behind it and going for it and I hope we can do that."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park

Image source, SNS

Melissa Andreatta wasn't for letting a little bit of jet-lag get in the way of disturbing her first free week in Scotland before heading to Hampden on Monday morning.

The Australian made the 30-hour flight last week with her family and got immediately stuck into Scottish culture before officially beginning her new role as national team head coach.

Even at this early stage, she believes its a country that "really aligns" with her values.

"Hard working, no nonsense, straight talking, humble, honest, I'm all about that as well," the new head coach said. "Some things just turn up when they do and this opportunity is one of those. It arose and I went for it.

"I'm so honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead the team and I'm going to take it with both hands and run with it."

The 46-year-old also expressed excitement at working with a squad she got a front-row viewing of when Scotland faced Australia in London in 2023 and taking an even "deeper dive" with them in the coming weeks.

Andreatta, whose first game in charge is against Austria later this month, added: "I've been watching previous games, obviously I'm familiar with the players because in my previous role I was exposed to them as well.

"Watching the games myself, I'm still working through that process, it's early days but I'll be diving into that deeply in the coming days to make sure I have a good grasp of things ahead of the next window.

"I think the centre of the park is a strength for the Scottish. The midfield, when we talk about players there, I think the experience and the level that we see players playing at club level is high."

Scotland captain Rachel Corsie opens up on her injury torment after finally making her first appearance of the season for Aston Villa.

Listen and subscribe to Behind the Goals on BBC Sounds

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park

Image source, SNS

Melissa Andreatta has addressed the media for the first time since being named the new Scotland head coach.

Here are the key points:

• "Honoured" Andreatta "jumped at the opportunity" to become the new head coach, adding: "Who wouldn't?"

• Her brief has been "all about major tournament qualification" and she is "confident about the process and progress" of getting back to the top table, adding "anything is possible".

• The Australian believes Scotland "aligns with her values of working hard, no nonsense, straight talking, being humble and honest".

• Andreatta has had "initial discussions" about the make-up of her staff though she "definitely plans to lean on the fantastic backroom team already here".

• She spoke with Glasgow-born Australia interim head coach Tom Sermanni and veteran Scottish/Australian coach Ernie Merrick before making the move.

• Andreatta knows the words to national anthem 'Flower of Scotland' and finds it stirring.

Image source, PFA Scotland

"Shocked" Grant Scott was "incredibly humbled" to be voted PFA Scotland SWPL manager of the year after the Hibernian head coach was chosen by his peers.

He has already guided Hibs to a League Cup final this term and they sit top of the SWPL with three games left.

Should they remain there come 18 May - the final day of the season - it would be the club's first title win since 2007, which Scott says would be "a huge, huge thing".

"We haven't won it yet, there's a lot of work to do, strange as that is since there's three games to go but we've got very, very difficult opponents to play," Scott said.

"But, we'll continue to push. If, and it's a massive big if because of the seriousness of the competition out there, but if we were to manage to be successful, it would be absolutely huge in the new era of Scottish women's football, where the teams are properly professional.

"It would be a huge, huge thing for Hibernian."

Such is the enormity of their potential success, Scott received the recognition from his fellow managers.

"It's quite humbling that you put your wits against each other week to week, season on season, and for them to recognise that we've done a good job," he added.

"It's not all about me, it's the whole function that goes on behind the team, so I'm delighted to get that recognition from your peers."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Lee Gibson (Glasgow City): At 0-0, the Scotland international made a terrific save to deny an almost-certain Celtic goal. Handled everything that came her way calmly.

Lauren Doran-Barr (Hibernian): So comfortable breaking forward and trying to initiate attacks. Her lofted ball over the top was inch-perfect for as she set up Hibs' second goal in the derby victory over Hearts.

Megan Burns (Dundee United): Scored a couple of goals helping United to only their second win of the season. The defender showed desire despite United's season effectively being over with relegation confirmed.

Samantha van Diemen (Glasgow City): The ever-impressive defender was busy at the back for City. Made some vital challenges and blocks and clearances to help her side to a vital win against Celtic.

Cassie Cowper (Montrose): Played a key role in what could be a significant win for her side. Made a vital goalline clearance at 1-1, set up the winner, then produced a great block to prevent Spartans grabbing an equaliser.

Louise Brown (Montrose): Scored the winning goal for Montrose, and what a big goal it could prove to be as they continue the fight to climb out of the third relegation spot.

Kirsty Maclean (Rangers): Very influential for Jo Potter's side as she controlled the play. Set up Rangers' fifth goal as they returned to winnings ways against Motherwell.

Tegan Bowie (Hibernian): Worked tirelessly out wide, beating players to create and set up attacks for Hibs. Could have been among the goals, while her assist for their openinger was brilliant.

Kathleen McGovern (Hibernian): Her goalscoring form continues. The forward was alert and brave at both her goals, helping Hibs remain at the top of the SWPL.

Katie Wilkinson (Rangers): Another hat-trick as the English striker proved ruthless once again for Rangers. Five goals in all for her at the weekend, and it could have been more.

Nicole Kozlova (Glasgow City): Scored two crucial goals for City. Her first was the most impressive as she raced down the left and somehow scored from a tight angle.

Watch the best of Sunday's action in the top six of the SWPL, including a derby victory for leaders Hibernian and important wins for title-chasing Glasgow City and Rangers.

Watch the best of Sunday's action in the bottom six of the SWPL, including important wins for Aberdeen and Montrose, as well as a rare victory for bottom side Dundee United.

Image source, PFA Scotland

A move to full-time football with Celtic. Champions League debut. Scotland call-up. First Scotland goal. And now a PFA Scotland SWPL player of the year award.

Emma Lawton knows it's going to be tricky to top her last 12 months.

Since signing for the reigning champions in September from part-time Partick Thistle, the 23-year-old has been on a rollercoaster ride.

A shining bright light in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Elena Sadiku's side, the right-back's stellar season was recognised by her peers as she beat off Hibernian forward Eilidh Adams, Rangers striker Katie Wilkinson and Glasgow City defender Samantha van Diemen.

"It's a real honour when it's voted by the people you play against every week, it's special," the Scotland international said.

"It's just been mad but I've absolutely loved every minute of it," she said of her first season in full-time football.

"I think it's going to be really hard to live up to these12 months, but I'll just keep working hard and just see what my footballing career brings."