Scottish Women's Football

Image source, Athletic Club

Former Hibs captain Joelle Murray was in attendance for Athletic Club's game against Girona on Tuesday night to receive her One Club Woman award.

The 38-year-old was awarded the Basque club's annual accolade which celebrates iconic players who have dedicated their careers to a single team.

Murray was in Spain this week to be presented with a trophy in recognition for her achievement by former Athletic Club women's player Eli Ibarra.

The current Hibs women coach watched on as Athletic drew 1-1 with Girona in La Liga.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Lisa Rodgers (Celtic): Although she conceded a goal, the 19-year-old made some vital stops, including an incredible triple save late on, to prevent Hibs taking all three points. Rodgers is taking her opportunity this season for Celtic.

Caley Gibb (Hibs): Made a couple of terrific clearances and was dynamic going forward. Unlucky not to score when her half-volley hit the post. Despite playing at right-back, she's not averse to switching over to the other side, demonstrating great flexibility.

Kimberley Smit (Glasgow City): Although Hearts' chances were limited, when they did get forward Smit did her job. The defender also looked comfortable when taking the ball forward to set up attacks.

Chloe Gover (Montrose): A good threat for her side in the 2-0 win over Hamilton. After an early header fell wide, she was a touch fortunate with her long-range goal but if you don't shoot you can't score! Kept a clean sheet too as Montrose ended their three-game losing streak.

Kim Shin Ji (Rangers): Really settling into life at Rangers. The South Korean's range of passing was impressive, as was her ability to win possession. Good going forward and had a few attempts on goal as Rangers defeated Aberdeen.

Natalie Ross (Celtic): Did really well to win the header to put Celtic in front. Superb finish. Plays with her heart on her sleeve and that header demonstrated such.

Amy Anderson (Glasgow City): The City midfield snuffed Hearts and Anderson was a key part of that. Comfortable on the ball and was quick to see a pass to set City on their way forward.

Nicole Kozlova (Glasgow City): Drove City forward and thoroughly deserved well-taken double. Showed control and pace and strength for her second goal.

Lizzie Arnot (Rangers): Set up Rangers' opener with her usual precise crossing. Had a couple of shots at goal too, including one effort that hit the woodwork.

Abi Harrison (Glasgow City): Starting to look like the Abi Harrison of old, she had a terrific afternoon. Held the ball up well before her defence-splitting pass led to the opener. Then grabbed a goal herself after again some great play.

Kathleen McGovern (Hibs): Scored a vital goal to earn her side a good point, showing strength to get the shot away. Came close to another, which was well saved.

Image source, SNS

Montrose manager Craig Feroz: "It gets us a bit of distance between them and us. There was a big difference between the two teams.

"I said to them at half-time, if you get one, you'll get two or three. It's never going to be easy, but we dominated the game.

"We'll have a go at Celtic next week."

Hamilton manager Robert Watson: "The main thing is how poorly we played in the second half.

"I was fairly tough on the players, but they have got to take some responsibility because it wasn't good enough.

"When we get chances we've got to take them and we've got to defend better."

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Paul Brownlie: "My first thought is I'm disappointed not to take the three points.

"In the second half, I thought we were on the front foot. I thought we played some really good stuff, created numerous opportunities to really stretch the lead.

"Unfortunately, we never took them and disappointed with a sucker-punch right at the end where ultimately it's a cross that hits the back of the net and not taking any away from the young girl, but I didn't see it coming."

Partick Thistle head coach David Elliot: "I have mixed emotions. A bit of frustration with the performance because we know we've been a lot better recently and I don't think we hit those standards, but also a bit of relief ending up with a goal that's probably a cross.

"I think the girls are the same, they know we're much better than what we've showed and you can feel that coming off.

"They're still really frustrated at themselves because they know we're better than that."

Image source, SNS

Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "I think it was a fair result in the end. We could have lost as well but Lisa Rodgers made incredible saves at the end.

"I feel disappointed after because I think we should have done much better in the second half. I think we just invited them in the second half.

"We have a lot of youngsters who've been doing really good, but I think seeing who we have in the stands, they're incredible players who we can't wait to get back on the pitch."

Hibernian head coach Grant Scott: "We tidied up a few things at half-time.

"We looked a little bit sluggish in the first half, but no excuses for that we just couldn't quite get to the game at times.

"I thought the reaction in the second half was magnificent from the players, their commitment and desire to get that equaliser and then ultimately try and push on for the winner, which we did quite fine today, but I'm really pleased with the group again."

Image source, SNS

Rangers manager Leanne Crichton: "Ultimately again really pleased, three points, three goals and a clean sheet is always going to be a good feeling in any matchday.

"I thought we were just far too relaxed and just not ourselves in the first half.

"I just felt the response in the second half was night and day so it was really good to see. I think it was a real collective effort and we are pleased."

Aberdeen boss Scott Booth: "I'm frustrated to be honest, because we were really well organised.

"We got that part of our game right for the majority of the match. We limited Rangers to a couple of chances.

"We had a few chances ourselves early in the game and just didn't take them. Then later in the game, I think it was a few tired legs, but we made a few basic errors that cost us.

"It definitely wasn't a game where there were three goals in it."

Image source, SNS

Glasgow City manager Leanne Ross: "Very pleasing performance. Especially after the midweek European game and little preparation time, we were brilliant in the first half.

"We carried out the plan brilliantly well. The big games keep coming, but the players will be delighted for more of a rest this week."

Hearts manager Eva Olid: "We had a gameplan, but we didn't execute and against Glasgow City you cannot commit mistakes.

"They are so clinical. You have to be so concentrated and at your best. When you have eight players that don't have their best, these things happen. It is not good enough."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

Given the Ballon d'Or ceremony fell during a women's international window last term, Caroline Weir has timed her run to perfection.

The Real Madrid star is as equally giddy at the getting-ready part of the glamourous night as the gong-winning element.

Slightly hampered by the timing - a Monday night at the beginning of a new season - a night on the Paris town is not on the cards but there's still plenty planning and preparation before a wee pop of the prosecco.

Scotland midfielder Weir is the first Scottish female to make the shortlist and she is certainly going to make the most of it and marvel in the moment.

"Our schedule has lined up really well," Weir told BBC Scotland.

"After playing on Sunday, we have Monday off which is great because I think in past years it's lined up with a women's international break, so players don't really get to go much.

"Me and [husband] Josh will fly to Paris on Monday morning, go to our hotel, get ready, get my hair and makeup done, maybe get some nice photos and then we go along and just see what's happening."

The likes of PSG's Ousmane Dembele, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Liverpool's Mohammed Salah are the frontrunners in the men's category, while Weir's El Clasico opponents Alexia Putellas and back-to-back winner Aitana Bonmati join Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey at the top end of the runners and riders in the women's category.

"I'm just trying to enjoy all of it," the 30-year-old added.

"I'm very intrigued as to what it's going to be like with all these amazing players in the one room and what the actual ceremony involves.

"We're just going to try and soak it all in and obviously going to Paris as well is pretty cool."

Image source, Colin Poultney/SWPL

Fresh from their Europa League exit at the hands of Inter Milan, things don't get any easier for Hibs who travel to face Celtic on Sunday.

The two teams have only lost one game apiece so far this season and both have defeats have been at the hands of their city rivals - Celtic were beaten 2-0 by Rangers two weeks ago, while Hibs lost by the same scoreline to Hearts on the same day.

Last weekend Elena Sadiku's side put four past Aberdeen, albeit conceding two goals in the process, while Hibs were comfortable 5-0 winners at home to Montrose.

But it's the home side who will be fresher come Sunday after Hibs' battling 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan (5-1 on aggregate) that saw them exit the Europa Cup.

Last season, Hibs beat Celtic in two out of their four meetings while the other matches ended in goalless draws.

If Celtic win on Sunday they'll keep pressure up at the top end of the table while a defeat for Hibs would see the reigning champions drift away from the top four, although they have played one game fewer than Celtic, Rangers and Hearts.

The excitement this weekend isn't confined to New Douglas Park, though. Glasgow City are at home to Hearts and the away side could leapfrog their opponents with a victory on Sunday (albeit City have a game in hand).

Bottom side Hamilton Accies are away to Montrose and are still searching for their first win of the season. They were beaten in three out of the four games against Montrose during their last stint in the top flight but Robert Watson's side will be taking confidence from their narrow 1-0 defeat to Glasgow City last weekend while Craig Feroz's side will have to bounce back from their big loss to Hibs.

How to follow on BBC

Glasgow City v Hearts will be live on the BBC Sport Scotland website and app, as well as on BBC iPlayer. Kick off is at 13:00 BST.

Celtic v Hibs, kicking off at 16:10 BST, will be available to watch on BBC Alba, as well as on the BBC Sport Scotland website and app.

There will be match reports from all of Sunday's matches on the app and website too.

Image source, SNS

Glasgow City have been drawn against Danish side HB Koge in the Women's Europa Cup second qualifying round.

The SWPL runners-up beat Irish side Athlone Town 6-0 on aggregate to progress in the new competition, which they dropped into after finishing third in their Champions League qualifying group.

City travel to Denmark for the first leg which takes place on 7 or 8 October, with the return in Glasgow a week later.

Koge finished third in the Danish top flight last season and currently lead the way with a 100% record after five games this term.

The Danes beat Romania's Farul Constanța 6-2 on aggregate in the Europa Cup first qualifying round.

The winners of the tie with City will progress to the round of 16, which is to be played in November.

Image source, Getty

Rangers have signed China defender Li Mengwen on a one-year deal following her departure from Brighton.

The 30-year-old spent 14 years with Chinese club Jiangsu and won four trophies before joining Paris St-Germain on loan in 2022.

Mengwen made a permanent move to Brighton the following year and spent last season on loan with fellow WSL side West Ham, making 16 appearances.

The right-back has been capped 35 times for China, scoring twice, and played for her country in the 2023 World Cup.

"We're delighted to welcome Li to Rangers," head coach Leanne Crichton said.

"She brings a wealth of international and Women's Super League experience and her traits will really complement the way we want to play.

"Her composure in possession and defensive abilities will add real quality and also further depth to our squad, we're excited to see the impact she can have both on and off the pitch."

Image source, SNS

Glasgow City strolled into the second qualifying round of the Europa Cup with a 3-0 win away to Athlone Town.

Having won the first leg at home by the same margin, City struck first when Emily Whelan celebrated being back in her homeland with a back-post header on 33 minutes.

City went close to a second on the hour when defender Kimberley Smit nodded just wide from a Lisa Evans corner.

Linda Motlhalo and Erin McLaughlin had shots saved before a penalty gave Nicole Kozlova the chance to double the visitors' lead.

Her spot-kick was well saved but the substitute was able to head home seconds later as the ball was quickly worked back into her path.

A few minutes later, Kozlova grabbed her second with a simple tap-in to wrap up a comfortable victory.

What they said

Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross: "I'm delighted. We wanted to come and give a professional performance, we knew that the tie wasn't over.

"We've been focusing on how to get control of the game and we did that right from the start. We came out and played some really nice football, scored some really good goals as well."

Two-goal forward Nicole Kozlova: "When you're coming off the bench you can see the areas you can exploit, I knew when I came on that's what I had to do. Everybody on the field did their job and it was enjoyable to play and watch.

"When you're a little girl you're dreaming of playing in those European games. We do everything we can to make sure we are playing those games, I'm excited to see where we go next."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Easter Road

Image source, Getty Images

Hibernian exited the Europa Cup after they followed a first-leg thrashing against Inter Milan with a 1-0 defeat at Easter Road.

The reigning SWPL champions had a mountain to climb after a 4-1 loss in Italy and though they were much-improved, they never looked like giving their visitors a scare.

A credible goalless draw appeared likely on a night where the Italians were dominant without doing much with the ball, but the game swung in their favour with 10 minutes to go when home goalkeeper Noa Schumacher was sent off after rushing out her box and blocking Benedetta Glionna going through on goal.

Seventeen-year-old goalkeeper Rowena Armitage came in for only her second Hibs appearance and nearly saw out the clean sheet, but substitute Masa Tomasevic tucked away from close range in stoppage-time.

Long before that there were a few near things for Hibs through Scotland strikers Kathleen McGovern and Eilidh Adams - who scored a superb goal in Milan - while defender Siobhan Hunter had a wild pop at goal from a first-half free kick in her own half.

An unlikely task turned out to be insurmountable and it is Inter who progress into the second qualifying round of the inaugural second-tier competition.

What they said

Hibernian coach Joelle Murray: "When you're in a dressing room after the game with players who are disappointed and frustrated at getting beat 1-0 against a team like Inter Milan, it just speaks volumes. I don't think we deserved it, not at all.

"I think the growth within a week, individually and collectively, was fantastic. We're proud but frustrated because we knew that we were competing. We frustrated them."

Hibernian winger Rosie Livingstone: "I think the fact that we've managed to keep them out for so long in the game, it's frustrating in a sense to sort of have that first game go so against us.

"I think we always play better against better teams. We play faster when we play against teams that play fast too, so I think it kind of worked in our favour a little bit."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

Siobhan Hunter wants to hear "no excuses" when Hibernian take to the Easter Road turf and try to overturn their three-goal deficit against Inter Milan in the Europa Cup tonight.

The SWPL champions suffered a 4-1 defeat in Italy last week and have the odds stacked against them - again - to progress in the inaugural European competition.

Grant Scott's side dropped into the second-tier tournament after being knocked out of the Champions League and are already playing their fourth European fixture this season.

Despite a hectic start to the campaign, with their title defence starting with three wins and a derby defeat, the defender doesn't want to hear any complaints come kick-off.

"I think it's easy to make excuses at this level," Hunter said previewing the Inter game, which will be shown live on BBC Alba, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

"It's easy to turn around and say, 'I'm tired, I'm exhausted'... it's a privilege. You have to be grateful for these opportunities. There are players out there that will never do it, never have done it.

"You have to get around each other and make sure you're all up for it. You might be tired, you might be sore, but there's no better competition in the world that you'd rather be in."

Hunter is confident the club can remain in the competition, though they are under no illusions of how tricky the task ahead is.

"We have to pick our moments when we want to jump, when we want to step or when we want to stay," she added.

"We have to be careful and really, really organised.

"We have to believe that we can go and do it at home and there's no more special place to do it than Easter Road."