Scottish Women's Football

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Montrose manager Craig Feroz: "It's hard because there's frustration.

"In the first half, there wasn't much in it and in the second half, we were still in the game. Celtic are clinical, they took their chances.

"I thought we were totally in the game, we had a couple of chances and shots on target but the second goal killed the game."

Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "We had a weak first half, second half much better and you can see that in the scoreline at the end.

"Really happy with scoring four and we didn't concede any today so happy with that too.

"Our delivering of set plays was really good today, we could have maybe scored one more.

"It's really nice to Saoirse Noonan back in the squad because she's really important for us."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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When Scott Booth vacated his position as Leanne Ross' assistant at Glasgow City, there was only one replacement.

Namesake, national team room-mate and old Petershill Park pal, Leanne Crichton.

Upon her arrival, Ross said she didn't think there was "anybody else better in terms of knowing me" to be her go-to.

"She's somebody that I can trust and challenge me and the group in the right way which I know is important.''

Under a year on, she faces a new challenge. Coming up against Crichton.

After helping guide City to a second-place finish in the SWPL last season, Crichton broke up the good cop/band cop duo and became a head coach in her own right at Rangers.

Ross' City make the short trip to Ibrox on Sunday to take on Crichton's table-toppers.

Both will do all they can to switch the narrative from themselves to their teams, but that's unlikely.

Two former Scotland internationals, who are making moves in management, is something to sit up and pay attention too.

Throw in their almost-telepathic understanding of each other and shared competitiveness, it could be something special.

"When she was here we probably knew what each other were thinking – we just had to look at each other and we were making decisions just by that look," Ross said of her "good friend".

"Lets see how that goes on Sunday and see if we can get a wee read on each other."

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Rangers women's managing director Donald Gillies has been hugely impressed with how head coach Leanne Crichton has adapted to life at the club.

Crichton was appointed at the start of August after spells as assistant head coach with Motherwell and Glasgow City and has got off to a flying start with five wins and one draw in her opening six SWPL fixtures as her side sit stop of the top flight table.

"Leanne had to come in and hit the ground at a sprint, never mind running," Gillies told RangersTV, external.

"She has been fantastic, really strong. She is everything that we saw during the interview and recruitment process.

"She has come in and she has put her own identity into the style of play and into the systems that she wants to work through but she has also had to cope with unexpected player departures.

"She has worked really closely on the recruitment side of things in order to bring in players that suit the way that she wants to play, and on top of that, getting to know the cadence of a club that has a lot of things going on and a staffing group that she hasn't necessarily worked with before on a larger scale.

"She has been really strong; it has been a pleasure to see her work over the last six weeks or so. She is only really getting started.

"I would even go as far as to say she is still playing catch-up to a degree of what she wants to see happening, which will be a process for her, but certainly the way that Leanne has gone about her business is everything that we had expected and more."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Last season's SWPL was won by three points. The season before that, it was goal difference.

In 2023, Glasgow City's last title win went right down to the dying minutes with the most dramatic of final day goals from Lauren Davidson.

They came close to a 17th league win in May, but ultimately finished three points short of Hibs in second.

Two goalless draws with Hearts stood out in an otherwise strong season.

Finding the back of the net is, obviously, imperative in any league, but it appears to have an extra-importance in this unbelievably tight at the top league.

Two years ago in their title-win, both Celtic and Rangers scored more goals than the Petershill club.

Leanne Ross' side are doing their best at ensuring that's not the case this term.

City have 15 goals in five league games already - only four off Rangers and Celtic who have both played an extra game.

And they put six past Athlone Town in the their two-legged Europa Cup tie.

Sofia Maatta set up all three in the first leg, and has a further three in the league. The winger has made an electric start to the season, while summer signing, Scotland international Abi Harrison, has three goals in five games and fellow striker Nicole Kozlova sits with four in four SWPL games.

It goes beyond the front line for Ross' side, as midfielder Natalia Wrobel has two goals and an assist in four league starts while former Hearts star Katie Lockwood has one goal and two assists in just three league starts.

City are one of three teams (Hearts and Rangers) to have scored in every league game this term and they're the only top-flight team to have scored in every half of football they've played.

Should City can keep things clicking in front of goal they could be looking at a very successful season.

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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.

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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

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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.

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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.