Scottish Women's Football

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  1. Celtic 0-2 Twente: Who impressed?published at 22:55 8 October

    Morgan Cross in action against TwenteImage source, SNS

    For her first start in a Champions League game, former Motherwell striker Morgan Cross didn't look fazed at all.

    She caused the Twente backline all sorts of problems and posed a real threat at times.

  2. Celtic 0-2 Twente: Analysispublished at 22:49 8 October

    Amy Canavan
    BBC Sport Scotland at ZLX Stadium

    Celtic 0-2 TwenteImage source, SNS

    Fine margins. It is a phrase used often, but with good reason.

    That’s all that really separated the Scottish and Dutch champions, with the latter carrying a clinical edge to capitalise on Celtic's brief moments vulnerability.

    Centre-back Hayes and goalkeeper Daugherty rarely put a foot wrong at the back but while a miscommunication like the one for the opening goal might not be punished on a Sunday in the Scottish Women's Premier League, it’s a given at this elite level it will be.

    Meanwhile, at the other end, Celtic only managed to hit the target with three of their 10 attempts, and those three ought to have been buried.

    It’s a tough lesson to take especially ahead of a trip to face Real Madrid next week amid a hectic schedule.

    Sadiku will hope Scotland striker Amy Gallacher, who was absent from the squad entirely, will be back in the mix and winger Lucy Ashworth-Clifford, who was deemed not fit enough to come on as a second-half substitute.

    Their absence was felt, although summer signings Shannon McGregor, Morgan Cross and Emma Lawton, all of whom were recruited from smaller Scottish clubs, showed they are ready to test themselves at a higher level.

    A rare defeat will sting Sadiku and Celtic, as will the fact they missed an opportunity to take points in their easiest Group B fixture on paper, with Madrid and Chelsea still to come.

    But there are some positives to take before heading to Spain next week.

  3. Congratulations from 'king of kings' Larsson thrills Celtic squadpublished at 15:49 8 October

    Media caption,

    Celtic skipper Kelly Clark says the squad were delighted to receive a congratulations message from club legend Henrik Larsson after qualifying for the Champions League.

    Listen to commentary and follow live text coverage of Celtic's Champions League opener against Twente on the BBC Sport website and app tonight from 19:45 BST.

  4. Can Celtic beat Twente in 'difficult' opening fixture?published at 14:46 8 October

    Celtic womenImage source, SNS

    Celtic must get a positive result in the "difficult" opener with Twente on Tuesday night because it is their most winnable game in the Champions League group stage, says former midfielder Suzanne Lappin.

    Elena Sadiku's side will also face Chelsea and Real Madrid home and away in their maiden campaign in women's football's premier club competition.

    "It's a difficult fixture, Twente's track record in the Champions League is very decent. " Lappin told BBC Scotland's Behind the Goals podcast.

    "If you look at the three opponents it's probably the game they'll have more chance of getting something from. So from Celtic's point of view they need to try and get something from the game.

    "Being your home tie, you need to try and win those in any competition and tonight is no different.

    "It's going to be really, really tough because there is no easy game at this stage in the Champions League."

  5. 'Great to see Hearts doing so well'published at 14:30 8 October

    your views graphic

    We asked for your views on the weekend's SWPL action.

    Here's what some of you said:

    David: Great to see Hearts doing so well, with a nice blend of youth and experience. Lots of goals being scored in the process - perhaps they could pass on some tips to the men's team!

    Richard: Phew! Partick gave us a real battle. Thankfully Hearts scored at important times, the first probably against the run of play. However, slowly Hearts dominated play and the third was important, but despite this Thistle were determined to get on the scoresheet, for pride more than expectation. It is vitally important that Hearts win games like this if we have any hope of keeping up with the top of the league.

  6. Hibs trio shine in SWPL team of the weekpublished at 11:43 8 October

    SWPL team of the week

    Alicia Yates (Spartans): Wasn't overly troubled but was alert when she had to be. Prevented Dundee United with a late chance to ensure her side earned three vital points.

    Lauren Doran-Barr (Hibs): Was solid at the back, especially in the first half, but also showed her attacking intent with an assist and an absolute belter of a goal from distance in the 5-1 thumping of Montrose.

    Jenna Penman (Motherwell): Although her side conceded two goals in defeat to Rangers, it would have been more but for the backline of which she was key. Had to change positions in the second half to replace Jo Addie and coped well with the switch.

    Siobhan Hunter (Hibs): Making her 300th appearance she was her usual calm self at the back for Hibs, especially in the first half when the defence was tested.

    Jackie Richards (Hearts): Was pushed further up the pitch in the second half and proved to be a real influence. Her goal was brave and, but for the post, she could have had another in the 3-0 win at Partick Thistle.

    Eilidh Shore (Hearts): Grabbed Hearts' second goal at a time when the opposition were causing some problems. Took the game by the scruff of the neck.

    Rosie Livingstone (Hibs): The 19-year-old forward was only on the pitch for 12 minutes but is worthy of a place in the TOTW for two reasons. After six months out, she’s battled back to fitness and her goal was a spectacular overhead kick.

    Aleigh Gambone (Glasgow City): Plenty of contenders from City's midfield, but the American's goal gives her the edge. It was City’s second and set them on their way to a big win at Aberdeen.

    Katie Wilkinson (Rangers): Rangers weren’t at their most fluent but Wilkinson’s persistence paid off. After hitting the bar, she finally grabbed a vital breakthrough for Jo Potter's side, helping them to an important win.

    Hannah Jordan (Spartans): Scored both goals in the 2-1 win over Dundee United as Spartans picked up three good points. Always seems to be in the right place at the right time.

    Emily Whelan (Glasgow City): Maintained her impressive scoring form with two goals. Such a key player for this City team who are really clicking now.

  7. 'We deserve to experience this with a smile on our faces'published at 11:29 8 October

    Celtic players celebrateImage source, SNS

    Captain Kelly Clark says Celtic fully deserve to enjoy their history-making debut in the Champions League against Twente on Tuesday night.

    The reigning SWPL champions will become the first Scottish side to feature in the group stage when they host the Dutch outfit at New Douglas Park.

    "For weeks now the mood's been really good," defender Clark said.

    "The win in the second [qualifying] game against Vorskla [Poltava] is probably the peak so far and I don't really think it's dropped since then.

    "There's a genuine buzz and on a personal note, I think the girls deserve to have that, they deserve to be as happy as they are right now.

    "We know this is going to be six really tough games, but the reality is getting here is a massive achievement.

    "So we genuinely deserve to experience this with a smile on our faces and I'll play my part in making sure we're happy."

  8. Celtic 'should be fearless' - Sadikupublished at 19:20 7 October

    Charlotte Cohen
    BBC Sport Scotland

    Celtic women head coach Elena SadikuImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Elena Sadiku says the only pressure on Celtic "is coming from us wanting to do well"

    Elena Sadiku insists there's "no pressure" on her Celtic side as they prepare to face Twente on Tuesday night.

    It's the first of six Champions League group stage games for the Glasgow side, who will also face Chelsea and Real Madrid.

    Tuesday night's match will also be the first for Celtic with New Douglas Park as their home ground.

    "This is the first time we've been here," Sadiku said. "This is the first time we're experiencing the Champions League group stage.

    "We know that we are probably one of the lowest, if not the lowest, ranked team in the group stage, so there's no pressure on us. The pressure is coming from us wanting to do well and show that we are a great team.

    "The excitement is hopefully the thing that we can push for during the game. You know we want to be here, we want to fight and we want to make sure that we put in a great performance.

    "This is a different experience for us and we should be excited. We should be fearless coming into this game as well."

  9. Sadiku on confidence, pressure & 'dream come true'published at 18:15 7 October

    Charlotte Cohen
    BBC Sport Scotland

    Elena SadikuImage source, SNS

    Elena Sadiku has been speaking to the media as Celtic prepare for their Champions League group stage opener against Twente.

    Here are the main points from her press conference:

    • She said she will be treating the clash as a normal game despite the occasion.

    • Adds that coming to Celtic was a "dream come true" and she wants to continue to be successful with the team.

    • The squad's confidence has taken a massive boost from their victories over Vorskla Poltava and their midweek draw with Rangers.

    • While Sadiku says there is "no outside pressure" on her side given their low competition ranking, they have put pressure on themselves to perform well.

    • The Swedish manager is happy to "bring on" the external pressure, though, if it means taking some of it away from her players.

    • Says she's "living in a wheel" with the amount of games her side have coming up but is fully focused on putting together a proper game plan for all of their fixtures.

  10. Rangers 2-0 Motherwell: What the managers saidpublished at 11:47 7 October

    Rangers womenImage source, SNS

    Rangers manager Jo Potter: "We've always got to be happy with a clean sheet and the three points.

    "We were in control for the whole game and didn't look like conceding but there's elements we need to work and improve on.

    "For the majority it was an improved performance from what I wanted. This could have been a real banana skin for us but I thought we looked in control.

    "The main thing for us was not slipping up, not taking our foot off the gas and feeling sorry for ourselves. Everything is looking positive."

    Motherwell manager Paul Brownlie: "I thought we had real control at points, particularly in the first half, I thought we looked really comfortable.

    "We were really thin on numbers due to the players that were at our disposal, come next Sunday we'll have eight players back in the squad which will be a big boost."

  11. Partick Thistle 0-3 Hearts: What the managers saidpublished at 11:22 7 October

    Partick Thistle v HeartsImage source, SNS

    Partick Thistle manager Brian Graham: "At this level when you don't take your chances you get punished at the other end.

    "In the second half we tried to have a go but we lost a sucker punch and the game just got away from us from there.

    "I thought it was two good sides and it could have gone either way, unfortunately for us it went Hearts' way."

    Hearts manager Eva Olid: "It wasn't an easy day.

    "I think in the first half they stopped us playing how we wanted to play and when we didn't have the ball we looked lost.

    "In the second half it was a different game but we need to play our game from the first second not wait until the second half.

    "It's a learning experience, we're used to our pitch but we need to adapt to every circumstance and always play our game."

  12. Hibernian 5-1 Montrose: What the managers saidpublished at 11:08 7 October

    Eilidh AdamsImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Eilidh Adams scored from the penalty spot to give the lead back to Hibs

    Hibs manager Grant Scott: "First and foremost I'm delighted with the win.

    "They're a difficult team to overcome, they play really organised football and give you a real good challenge.

    "We kept trying to play football and that got us the result in the end."

    Montrose manager Craig Feroz: "I thought the team were excellent for the first 20 minutes.

    "We got a goal back and I thought we were totally in the game but the penalty decision was a joke.

    "Hibs had so much possession and you expect that when you're away form home against a top team and I thought we executed the gameplan well but the penalty changes the game.

    "For me it's not a penalty at all, we get a sending off as well. It's disappointing when you're down there fighting for points and I think we deserved something from the game."

  13. Dundee United 1-2 Spartans: What the managers saidpublished at 10:50 7 October

    Hannah JordanImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Hannah Jordan scored both of Spartans' goals.

    Dundee United manager Suzy Shepherd: "It's disappointing getting beaten but I don't think we played well whatsoever.

    "I think we improved slightly in the second half but it was still nowhere near how we're capable of playing.

    "We need to go away and reflect on ourselves as individuals and prepare for the game next week."

    Spartans manager Jack Beesley: "I'm delighted to get the three points which was the main objective.

    "We could have taken our opportunities a bit more so that was the frustration.

    "I'm delighted to win but I thought we could have managed certain situations better and made it less stressful at the end."

  14. Aberdeen 0-5 Glasgow City: What they saidpublished at 10:32 7 October

    Mairead FultonImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Mairead Fulton got her first goal of the season in Glasgow City's 5-0 win.

    Aberdeen coach Aaron Scully: "We knew it was going to be a tough game, I think one of the most disappointing things was that I didn't feel they had to work too hard for their goals.

    "I thought we defended quite well but the key moments in the game that cost us the goals.

    "We need to try and pick up more points against the teams around us by getting goals, not conceding silly goals and scoring at the other end."

    Glasgow City manager Leanne Ross: "I'm really pleased with the performance, I thought we played some nice stuff and scored some nice goals.

    "It's important we score goals, we know it can be important when it comes to the end of the season and it's nice to see players all over the pitch getting goals.

    "Every time we take to the pitch we need to fight for the three points so all in all a good day's work."

  15. SWPL: Have your saypublished at 18:49 6 October

    Have your say

    What did you make of this weekend's SWPL action? Were you pleased with your side's performance?

    Give us your thoughts here, external.

  16. How to follow the weekend action on BBCpublished at 12:35 5 October

    BBC Sport Scotland microphone

    You can watch two live SWPL games this Sunday. Rangers v Motherwell (14:00) will be streamed live on the BBC Sport website, with Partick Thistle v Hearts (16:10) live on BBC Alba. Both are also available on the app and on BBC iPlayer.

    As usual, we will also bring you live text coverage of Sunday's full six-game SWPL card, which includes Hibernian v Montrose, Glasgow City's trip to Aberdeen, and Dundee United hosting Spartans.

    Every goal and talking point will be covered, with the live text starting from 12:50 on the BBC Sport website and app.

    Then, on Monday night, watch the best of the weekend action on the SWPL highlights show on BBC Scotland at 19:00.

  17. Corsie to miss Scotland play-off after knee surgerypublished at 18:31 4 October

    Rachel Corsie in action for ScotlandImage source, SNS

    Captain Rachel Corsie will miss Scotland's Euro 2025 play-off with Hungary this month after undergoing knee surgery.

    The 35-year-old defender's club, Aston Villa, confirmed Corsie has undergone a "routine" knee operation that will keep out of action for eight weeks.

    Scotland's first leg against Hungary takes place in Budapest on 25 October (17:15 BST), before the return on 29 October at Easter Road (19:35).

    If Pedro Martinez Losa's side progress, they will face either Montenegro or Finland for a place in next summer's tournament in Switzerland.

  18. Game of the weekend: Rock-bottom United aim for first winpublished at 16:59 4 October

    Andrew Petrie
    BBC Sport Scotland

    United's Ellie May Cowie and Spartan's Hannah JordanImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    United's Ellie May Cowie and Spartan's Hannah Jordan

    We're only eight games into the season, but the writing appears to be on the wall for Dundee United and their time in the top flight of Scottish women's football.

    Suzy Shepherd's side have taken just one point - a draw against fellow strugglers Aberdeen - from the 24 on offer so far.

    United are already four points adrift at the foot of the table and 14 goals worse off than second-bottom Aberdeen.

    The Tannadice side are prime early relegation candidates - particularly with three teams destined for the drop due to the league moving to 10 teams next season.

    United need points, quickly. So might they finally get a first win of the campaign on Sunday when Sparts, who sit eighth, come calling?

    Having been top-flight mainstays, Spartans are now also nervously looking over their shoulder in the bottom half of the SWPL.

    Spartans finished just three points ahead of United last season - who came 11th and survived via a play-off - and have taken just six points from their opening eight games.

    The league has already started to resemble the final standings of last season, with Motherwell, Montrose and Aberdeen all in the bottom six alongside newcomers Queen's Park.

    That means every time one of these sides plays each other, it becomes a big game. A point - or three - taken off any of the top-six teams is a bonus.

    Last season, Spartans enjoyed two wins over United - one of them a 6-0 thrashing. But it was actually the Tangerines who won the first meeting between the pair last November.

    Smart money might be on the visitors, given they've picked up two wins this season, but nothing is easy to predict in the SWPL.

  19. 'Healthy Old Firm rivalry good for women's game'published at 12:07 4 October

    Media caption,

    Rangers boss Potter on 'healthy' Old Firm rivalry

    Rangers head coach Jo Potter, speaking after the 2-2 draw with Celtic, says the "healthy" rivalry with Elena Sadiku's side can "only make our game better".