Scottish Women's Football

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Hearts manager Eva Olid: We were not happy at half time with the performance in the first half. Montrose had chances and we weren't really controlling the game. We scored two set plays because it was so difficult to find space.

The second half, we were so much better and I was happy with the performance.

I'm so happy with everyone. Everyone can give a lot on the team and as a manager that is so good.

Montrose boss Craig Feroz: It's a tale of two leagues, we need to wait for the split because the gulf is massive. It's disheartening but Hearts deserve to win.

We were good in the first half but the second half, we were poor.

I don't think there was much between us in the first half and I was very proud but the fitness in the second half made it a totally different game.

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Hibernian and Rangers renew their rivalry on Sunday for the first time since the Leith side won at Ibrox in May to pip their hosts to the Scottish title - and you can watch it live on the BBC.

This time, both find themselves playing catch-up as 16-time champions Glasgow City, who finished runners-up last term, lead the way after seven games.

Rangers sit three points behind in second, with hosts Hibs two points further back in fourth.

Linzi Taylor's late title winner in May means Grant Scott's Hibs head into the game having won the three previous meetings.

Rangers full-back Nicola Docherty, forward team-mate Mia McAulay and Hibs striker Kathleen McGovern could be ones to watch having been named in Melissa Andreatta's Scotland squad earlier in the week.

McGovern netted a brace for Hibs in their 9-0 victory over Motherwell in the Sky Sports Cup second round last weekend, while McAulay added one to Rangers' 12-0 scoreline against St Johnstone.

With City being favourites to take another three points as they host Partick Thistle in a Glasgow derby at the same time, Grant Scott's Hibs and Leanne Crichton's visitors will know they probably need all three points to make sure they do not slip further behind.

Elsewhere, third-top Celtic, who are on the same points as Rangers, host Motherwell, while fourth-placed Heart of Midlothian entertain Montrose.

Hamilton Academical, who are bottom of the table without a win, travel to take on an Aberdeen side who are four points and one place above.

How to follow on BBC

Hibernian v Rangers will be live on BBC Alba. Kick-off is 13:10 BST.

You can find match reports from all five matches on the BBC Sport Scotland website and app.

Sportscene SWPL highlights will be on the BBC Scotland channel on Monday night at 19:30 BST with a repeat on BBC One Scotland at 23:10 BST.

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Glasgow City forward Nicole Kozlova has been named September's SWPL player of the month.

The Ukraine international scored three goals during the month for Leanne Ross' side, including the winner at Ibrox in City's 1-0 win over Rangers.

Kozlova also netted a brace in a dominant 5-1 victory over Heart of Midlothian in which she completed 100% of all dribbles and ended the game with an 87% pass rate.

City currently sit unbeaten at the top of the SWPL table after seven matches.

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Scotland caps Eilidh Adams and Emma Watson have been named in Michael McArdle's Under-23 squad for this month's friendlies against Sweden and Italy.

Hibernian striker Adams, who gained her three full caps under McArdle when he was interim head coach earlier this year, was again omitted from Melissa Andreatta's A squad, having missed the head coach's first camp in the spring.

Teenager Watson, who burst onto the scene in 2023, was one of four changes from the Australian's senior squad, which was named on Wednesday.

The 19-year-old, who is on loan at Crystal Palace from Manchester United, has three goals in 12 senior appearances, but this is her first under-23 call-up.

Celtic goalkeeper Lisa Rodgers and Newcastle United attacker Jasmine McQuade have also received their first call-ups.

Defender Georgia Brown and forward Mia McAulay, who were both involved in the last under-23 squad, are part of the senior squad to take on Morocco and Switzerland.

McArdle's side will host the Swedes at Stark's Park on Thursday, 23 October (19:00 BST) before travelling to Florence to face the Italians four days later (13:30).

Scotland's Caroline Weir scored twice in Real Madrid's 6-2 Women's Champions League win over Roma. (Herald - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

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Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross and winger Lisa Forrest have insisted "we are still in this tie" despite the 2-1 defeat by Koge in the first leg of their Women's Europa Cup second qualifying round tie.

Amy Anderson cancelled out Mille Gejl's opener for the Danish hosts before the break only for Olivia Garcia to restore the lead on the hour mark.

Ross described it as "a really tough game, physically especially" as the league leaders in their respective countries went head to head.

"They are a very good team and they move the ball really quick and I felt we've had to work really hard out of possession tonight and then probably never covered ourselves in glory in terms of how we possessed the ball," she told City's website.

"The chances we were able to create were very difficult tonight."

Ross insisted "it still is very positive" going into next Wednesday's second leg at Petershill.

"Although I'm disappointed in the way we played in possession, we still have created chances and had opportunities to score that equaliser at times and I don't think the tie's over at all," she said.

"It's always difficult when you face a new opponent. You can analyse them to death, but they can change things and they are a very adaptable team.

"We weren't quite sure how they were going to line-up tonight in terms of formation, but now that we have that 90 minutes under our belt and the players are more familiar with their direct opponents, I hope we will be able to put a little bit more into the game in possession next week.

"We are definitely still in this tie."

Forrest agreed, insisting: "I think it's all to play for next week.

"It was a difficult night, but we have another game to go and this is only half-time, so we'll look at today's performance and see what we can do next week now we've got more of an insight into how they want to play."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park

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Head coach Melissa Andreatta has been speaking to the media after announcing her Scotland squad for this month's friendlies against Morocco and Switzerland.

Here are the points:

• This is "the right time" to call up Under-23s defender Georgia Brown for the first time because she brings "an aerial threat, composure and an ability to play".

• These friendlies present "an opportunity to really look at players, our playing idea and things we think are going to help us for World Cup qualification".

• The trip to Casablanca "replicates going from the south of Brazil to the north", something Scotland might need to do should they qualify for the 2027 World Cup, and therefore "exposes everybody to the potential challenges".

• Following Rachel Corsie's retirement, Andreatta hasn't named a new captain and wants to "take time" in making the decision.

• Andreatta wants to "embrace the awesome challenge" of reaching a first major tournament and these friendlies offer "a great opportunity" to prepare.

• She adds "the support of our world-class, passionate supporters, could be the edge" in achieving their dream.

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Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross is calling for a strong defensive display away to HB Koge in the Europa Cup on Wednesday.

The SWPL leaders are in Denmark for the first leg of the second round qualifier, with Ross warning that the hosts are "a threat from all over the pitch".

"In terms of preparation time, it's obviously difficult at the moment because there is a very short space of time in between games, so we have had to get a lot of information to the players," said Ross.

"It's about the details that we can give off the pitch. We put a lot of effort into that as a staff, without overloading them, and without disrespecting any opponent we're playing.

"We're giving every game we're playing its own preparation time and the same preparation, but when it comes to games in Europe and you're facing new opponents. It's exciting and there is loads of enthusiasm within the team to go on and put in a really good performance."

City came through the first round with a 6-0 aggregate success against Irish side Athlone Town, while they top the SWPL after six wins and one draw.

On Sunday, they enjoyed a 5-0 win away to Hamilton Accies in the Sky Sports Cup.

On Koge, Ross said: "They are very attacking-minded, very good in transitions, and they have got a lot of key players who we've identified, so they are a threat from all over the pitch.

"We're going to need to be really defensively solid, and then make the most of the opportunities that we can create.

"It's about making sure we've got something to play for when we come back here next week."

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Hearts will host Edinburgh rivals Hibs in the quarter-finals of this season's SWPL Cup.

Holders Rangers, who have won the cup in the past three seasons, have a home tie against Partick Thistle.

Current league leaders Glasgow City entertain Aberdeen while the only SWPL 2 side left in the competition, Queen's Park, travel to New Douglas Park to face Celtic.

The ties are scheduled to take place on Sunday, 9 November.

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Reigning champions Hibernian and current leaders Glasgow City both considered it a point gained rather than two points dropped as the long-standing rivals fought out a 1-1 draw at Meadowbank Stadium.

Katie Lockwood cancelled out Eilidh Adams' opener for the hosts and the former Hibs midfielder was delighted to make her mark after her return to the side.

"I was really happy to be back out there with the girls," she told club media. "We've got a lot of competition for places this season and it just makes each other better.

"I was just at the right place at the right time, I reacted to it and it's gone in the back of the net."

As for the draw, Lockwood said: "I feel a little disappointed just now, but it is a point gained.

"We were nowhere near our best and we know that. The goal we conceded, we must do better. We talked about it all week, set-pieces, and it was disappointing to let that one in.

"But we showed some good character. That's the first time we've gone a goal down this season and to come back the way we did was good.

"It was just unfortunate that we couldn't get a second."

Hibs defender Caley Gibb thinks the draw with last season's runners-up shows her side are finding their feet in the league after having European competition qualifying to deal with.

"It's been an extremely busy few weeks for us," she said. "We started with a small squad. That's a bit bigger now and we're all gelling.

"I think we deserved more than a point if I'm honest, but it could be crucial by the end of the season. We've got more levels to reach and we can achieve more this season."

City lead Rangers by three points in the Scottish Women's Premier League, with Hibs two further back, and the Leith side's head coach, Grant Scott, added: "I think it is a good point, but we'll see in the long run.

"That's two or three performances now we've looked more like ourselves.

"I think it was a reasonably good game. A hard-fought game, but I'm not sure the quality was always there from both teams.

"You never know how vital these points you pick up against your competitors are going to be in the end.

"We were here for three. I am not entirely sure we deserved it, although on the balance of play in the last spell of the game we busied their box more than they did ours, but there was not the best quality in our execution."

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Lee Gibson (Glasgow City): Some big saves and a clean sheet to prevent Rangers scoring and help City take all three points from Ibrox.

Emma Lawton (Celtic): A wonderful cross to Amy Gallacher from the right-back helped give Celtic the lead. She went on to prevent Montrose grabbing a goal back to give the visitors a big victory.

Kimberley Smit (Glasgow City): Played a vital role in a tightly contested affair, not allowing Rangers chances and ensuring City walked away with another clean sheet.

Katie Rice (Motherwell): Set up hosts' second goal as they moved into the top half of the table.

Jenna Slattery (Heart of Midlothian): Two second-half goals from the midfielder helped kick Hearts into gear after a goalless 60 minutes.

Ellis Notley (Hibernian): Netted her first goal since January 2024 with a close-range header. Two assists helped keep Hibs fifth in the table with a game in hand over three teams above.

Tegan Bowie (Hibernian): Was a driving force in the middle of the park. She was involved in two of Hibs' goals, delivering well-executed crosses, and had some chances at goal herself.

Carly Johns (Heart of Midlothian): Alongside Slattery, she helped Hearts score three goals in three minutes with two close-range passes.

Kirsty Morrison (Hibernian): Got Hibs up and running when she slotted into the bottom corner from a loose ball in the box. Had the chance to make it a double, but it was cleared by a Hamilton Academical defender.

Nicole Kozlova (Glasgow City): Was in the right place at the right time to tap the ball in at the back-post with five minutes to play to secure a potentially-pivotal three points for City and extend their winning start to the SWPL season.

Amy Gallacher (Celtic): Opened the scoring after nine minutes with a header to give her side an early lead. Another powerful finish in the second half helped Celtic to a comfortable victory.

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Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton: "Every game is important. At home you go into it wanting to maximise the opportunity so we're frustrated we've got nothing to show. I don't think there was an awful lot between the sides.

"We had three or four decent chances and if we'd got our noses in front it could have given us that edge.

"The frustration is we didn't defend the box properly [for the goal]. We're super disappointed and the biggest frustration is the lack of points today."

Glasgow City boss Leanne Ross: "It's still early in the season, it's the first time the teams have played each other and to be honest I don't think we played particularly well.

"Defensively I thought we were solid and I think that goes a long way when you come and play a team like Rangers.

"Rangers have got a real attacking threat, they're particularly good in the wide areas so that was a big focus for us during the week and I thought we handled it well."

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Motherwell manager Paul Brownlie: "It was an impressive performance and a big three points for us in the context of the season. It was a game we knew we had to win and the players delivered.

"We were really aggressive and went after Aberdeen really high. We put Aberdeen on the back foot and you could see the intensity of our press was there.

"There's no easy games in this league, it's really hard to win games and we know that as a group. We want to build momentum and a bit of rhythm as well."

Aberdeen boss Scott Booth: "I think we dropped our standards. We've had some tough games but I think we've proved we can be organised, connected and have a bit of a threat but we were a little bit all over the place today [Sunday].

"It's been tough to watch. We just didn't do what we had worked on in training and it's a lesson.

"It was a tough game because we didn't do the things we should and Motherwell took advantage of that. We pretty much gave them two goals in the first half."

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Partick Thistle head coach David Elliot: "Goals definitely change games. We seemed to work really hard for 60 minutes and stop the efforts on goal.

"After then, we broke down. We lost the first goal and managed to regroup but after the second goal went in, we let too many crosses in the box and they scored from a couple of them.

"Hearts took inspiration and confidence from their goals so things got difficult after that.

"We can definitely take positives and we'll move on and the negatives we'll fix."

Hearts manager Eva Olid: "The first half we were playing well, it was just the end product so we were frustrated but once the goal came we were good.

"The subs really made a difference. They came with a lot of energy and that helped to score the goals.

"After last week, we needed these three points and they help us grow in confidence to continue and keep fighting for our objective."

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Hibernian boss Grant Scott: "Getting the three points is important for us. The clean sheet and a number of goals sets us up well for a tough midweek game against Glasgow City.

"Year on year we've improved our squad here. It's massively important that we have that depth of squad to rotate around, freshen things up and change the dynamics week on week.

"We were delighted to get ourselves in front and be able to do that."

Hamilton Academical manager Robert Watson: "Hibs were very good today and made things very tough for us.

"We must find a way to defend set plays better. Of the five goals, three were set plays.

"In the second half, we spoke about being better in possession and we were able to fashion a couple of half chances.

"There is positives to take despite the scoreline today.

"We've shown up well against the full-time teams so far. The scoreline was probably a reflection on the game because we didn't defend set plays well enough.

"We have to keep believing because there has been moments where we should have scored."