Scottish Women's Football

Image source, SNS

Hibs boss Grant Scott: "Another excellent goalscoring performance. Kathleen [McGovern] probably had a couple of chances in the first half she probably should have done better on but I think the link up across our font line was exceptional at times.

"We were a bit rusty in the first half but we settled into the game and were much better in the second."

Montrose manager Craig Feroz: "We've been here before, this isn't our first season. We know the start is hard, before the split is difficult but we've proved before that we have got what it takes to stay in this league.

"We'll just get the heads up, go and fight again because we've got a cup final next week."

Image source, SNS

Fresh off the back of one Glasgow derby against Celtic last Sunday, Rangers will be hoping for another three points in this weekend's city meeting with Partick Thistle.

Thanks to the 2-0 victory over Celtic at New Douglas Park, Rangers are top of the SWPL table with three wins from four, while Thistle sit seventh with just one victory so far this term.

Both teams have faced changes in the dug-out this summer.

David Elliot replaced Brian Graham as Thistle head coach, while Leanne Crichton was chosen to succeed back-to-back cup double winning boss Jo Potter. And it is fair to say the pair have had contrasting fortunes so far.

After Elliot steered his side to an opening-day victory over Hamilton Academical, Thistle were beaten 5-0 by champions Hibernian before taking a 7-0 hammering by Celtic - then last weekend they were confined to a point away to Aberdeen with a 94th-minute equaliser.

Rangers, on the other hand, got their league campaign up and running with a 6-1 win over Montrose before coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Heart of Midlothian. Crichton's side avoided a later scare to beat Motherwell before last weekend's Old Firm victory.

Two teams in very different form, but there is always the chance for an upset.

How to follow on BBC

Partick Thistle v Rangers will be live on the BBC Sport Scotland website and app, as well as on BBC iPlayer, and it kicks off at 13:00 BST.

Later on, Aberdeen v Celtic will be shown on BBC Alba. It kicks off at 16:10 BST.

You can watch highlights from all the weekend's games on Monday, 15 September at 19:30 BST.

Plus there will be match reports from Sunday's matches on the BBC Sport Scotland website and app.

Image source, HIBERNIAN FC

Hibs have paid an undisclosed fee to sign defender Scarlett Herron from Shamrock Rovers and also added Peamount United midfielder Jessica Fitzgerald.

Both players are Republic of Ireland Under-19 internationals and have signed two-year contracts with the SWPL champions.

Herron, 20, joined Shamrock Rovers from Athlone Town two years ago and became a regular starter.

Hibs head coach Grant Scott said: "Scarlett is a talented defender we are excited to welcome into our squad. She is powerful and gives us an extra option in a key position.

"Despite her young age, she already has vast experience in the Irish league and has made a strong start to the 2025 season there, so we are naturally excited to see how she continues to develop over here in Scotland."

Fitzgerald, 19, was PFA Ireland young player of the year in 2023 at age 17 after helping Peamount United to win the Premier Division title.

"She's a composed, technically gifted midfielder who will offer so much to our team," said Scott.

"She is a league winner in Ireland and has prior experience in the Champions League, and we're confident her pedigree and experience at such a young age will only enhance our squad."

Image source, SNS

Celtic forward Morgan Cross has won the first of the SWPL player of the month award this season.

Cross scored four goals and recorded two assists in August for Elena Sadiku's side.

The 24-year-old netted in Celtic's three opening matches, including a double in the 7-0 rout of Partick Thistle.

Celtic's 100% start was ended with derby defeat to Rangers in September leaving them second in the table.

Image source, Getty

Celtic have signed English full-back Hannah Luke on a one-year deal from Blackburn Rovers.

The 23-year-old made 17 appearances for WSL Championship side Blackburn last season.

She previously spent time in the US college system with Creighton University, where she played 25 games, scoring twice and recording four assists.

Head coach Elena Sadiku said: "I'm really excited to bring Hannah to Celtic.

"She's a strong defender who is also comfortable pushing forward and making an impact in the final third.

"Hannah is a player of real quality and I am sure she'll be an important addition to the group."

Image source, SNS

Joelle Murray says Hibs should be "proud" of their performance despite the disappointing 4-1 Europa Cup defeat against Inter Milan in Italy.

Eilidh Adams scored a fine goal for the SWPL champions, who have it all to do in next Wednesday's second leg of the first-round qualifier at Easter Road.

"It's not the result we wanted but the girls can take great heart and credit from the performance, they left everything out on the pitch and that's the minimum," said coach Murray.

"That's all we can ask from them. They can be proud, disappointed but proud of the performance they put out. They never let their head down, not once within the 90 minutes.

"All credit to the girls, they played with heart and spirit and you could see that in the performance.

"The fans have been tremendous. They were tremendous in Cyprus, they've been unbelievable out here, and they'll be a massive help next week at Easter Road, the girls deserve a big crowd under the lights on European nights."

Image source, SNS

Head coach Leanne Ross was "more than" happy with Glasgow City's 3-0 win over Athlone Town as the SWPL runners-up put themselves in a strong position to progress in the Europa Cup.

City resume the first qualifying round tie in next Wednesday's second leg in County Westmeath.

"With the result, we're more than happy with that," Ross told BBC Alba. "You can see the quality that we have once we do get our foot on the ball and play.

"You can see the dangers that our opponent has. It's by no means done. We need to make sure we go over there and have a professional performance.

"Putting ourselves 3-0 ahead in the tie is certainly what we wanted."

Sofia Maatta set up all three goals, which were scored by Amy Anderson, Linda Motlhalo and Lisa Forrest.

"She's absolutely frightening," said Ross of the Finland international. "She's so dangerous and such a threat for us."

And Maatta added: "I am really happy. I was just trying to be positive and do what I'm good at.

"I would say I'm much more confident now."

Image source, SNS

Sofia Maatta set up all three goals as Glasgow City built up a commanding lead in their Europa Cup first qualifying round tie against Athlone Town.

The winger advanced on the left before crossing low for Amy Anderson to tap home the opener.

In the second period, Maatta found Linda Motlhalo in space and the South Africa international confidently slotted past goalkeeper Megan Plaschko.

Lisa Forrest was the recipient of a Maatta pass for Glasgow City's third, the winger making no mistake with the finish after the Finland cap's forceful run to the byline.

The sides meet again in next Wednesday's second leg at the Athlone Town Stadium in County Westmeath.

Image source, SNS

SWPL champions Hibernian must overturn a three-goal deficit to stay in the Europa Cup, despite Eilidh Adams' stunning goal in the 4-1 defeat by Inter Milan in Italy.

Adams swept home superbly from just inside the box following Caley Gibb's low centre to make it 3-1.

Haley Bugeja had put Inter in front early on, shooting across goal from the inside left channel.

Olivia Schough soon doubled that advantage from a wide angle on the opposite side.

Slackness near halfway allowed Inter to build the attack that ended with their third, Elisa Polli converting at close range in the opening minute of the second period.

And Benedetta Glionna swayed inside and out before unleashing a powerful shot past Noa Schumacher for the hosts' clincher.

The sides meet again in next Wednesday's first qualifying round second leg at Easter Road.

Image source, SWPL

Hibernian's Europa Cup qualifier with Inter Milan on Wednesday will be shown live on the BBC Sport website and iPlayer.

The match at Milan's Youth Development Training Center starts at 19:00 BST.

SWPL champions Hibs will host the Italian side in next Wednesday's return leg at Easter Road.

Claire Thomson
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Getty Images

Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross hopes her players can replicate her own "great experiences on European nights" as they prepare to host Irish champions Athlone Town in the first leg on their Europa Cup qualifier.

City dropped into the newly-established competition after finishing third in their Champions League qualifying group following a 2-0 defeat to FK Austria Wien.

Athlone lost to Breidablik in their Champions League semi-final then beat Serbian champions Crvena Znezda 2-0 in the play-off to ensure their European journey also continued.

"I'm expecting a really competitive game so we want to make sure we're fighting on all fronts," Ross told BBC Scotland of Wednesday's match.

"They've got a decent squad of players, good technical ability and they've definitely got players within the starting XI who can hurt us if we're not fully focused on defending the way we need to defend."

The 44-year-old former midfielder was part of the City squad who reached the quarter finals of the Champions League in 2014-15 and 2019-20, which she described as a "massive achievement".

"European competition, for me personally, has always brought a lot of great experiences throughout my career," she said.

"The players who have experienced that already want to keep the journey going and the younger ones want to see what it feels like to progress in Europe and have those nice nights at home where we get the big crowds and the games are exciting."

Her side come into the match after a 5-0 win against Montrose in the SWPL, making it three wins and three clean sheet in as many matches.

"The football we played on Sunday and the performance we put on, both individuals within the team and collectively, it gives us huge confidence in terms of our style of play and what we can do to teams on the pitch," she said.

"I really enjoyed watching the team playing. There wasn't a lot of coaching to do. They implemented the game plan really well and hopefully we can set another good game plan and take that forward.

"It's a new competition. We're now going into a knockout scenario and it's a different challenge for the players as well and for us as staff.

"It's great that we have the opportunity to experience that this season."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Rachael Johnstone (Hearts): Made a couple of important saves in each half, two in particular were really impressive. Her performance helped Hearts to all three points and a big win over their city rivals.

Lisa Evans (Glasgow City): Two assists and a clean sheet, so a good afternoon's work for the defender. Came close to getting on the scoresheet too. Both her assists came from corners, her deliveries bang on the money.

Lana Golob (Glasgow City): The Slovenian is proving to be a great signing for City. Not only did she grab her first competitive goal in a City shirt this weekend, she looked very comfortable carrying out her defensive duties.

Erin Husband (Hearts): Full of determination as she made some crucial blocks to stop the opposition in their tracks. Still just 17, the defender plays with great maturity, yet with a freedom of youth.

Katie Rice (Motherwell): Made a vital goalline clearance to stop Hamilton going 2-0 up, then scored at the other end to put her side 2-1 ahead early in the second half. Her goal set the tone for the remainder of the game as Motherwell cruised to their first win of the season.

Olufolasade Adamolekun (Hearts): Was a real driving force in the middle of the park. So good on the ball and very effective. She was involved in much of Hearts' slick play, seeing and executing a pass with precision.

Kim Shin Ji (Rangers): In her first start, the South Korean very much looked the part. Her poise on the ball caught the eye. Demonstrated excellent technical ability and will be an influential player in this Rangers team.

Sofia Maatta (Glasgow City): A constant threat all afternoon. Set up City's opener and could have grabbed a goal herself such was her attacking intent.

Georgia Timms (Hearts): Won the penalty for her side as she raced into the box and was taken out by the Hibs goalie. Then kept her cool by converting from the spot. Her goal undoubtedly had a positive effect on Hearts for the last 20 minutes of the game.

Bayley Hutchison (Hearts): Came on just before the hour and her influence was clear to see. Her skill, physicality and determination is such a huge positive for Hearts. The build-up play to the eventual penalty was all about her persistence to keep the ball.

Mia McAulay (Rangers): A sublime finish to give her side the opening goal in the season's first Old Firm derby. Great delivery from the corner to set up Rangers' second, sealing the win that moved Leanne Crichton's side top of the SWPL.

Image source, SNS

Celtic manager Elena Sadiku: "We started the game really well but in the second half we weren't up to our standards. But this won't define us. It is something we need to look at and make sure it won't happen again.

"We didn't play our game in the second half and I think that's why it looked the way it did. I'm going to look at the game, make sure everybody is better prepared next time but I think the disappointment comes from us not playing our game."

Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton: "I'm really pleased in terms of the result, I'm more pleased about the performance.

"There's been a lot of chat this week about the club, players that have left and a lot of people have hit the panic button, but in the building we've been really composed about things.

"Regardless of the score we were prepared to go and take the positives from the game and I'm just really pleased with how the players went about it."

Image source, Malcolm Mackenzie/SWPL

Hearts manager Eva Olid: "I was confident playing against Hibs my only thing is that it's always been difficult for us at Tynecastle.

"This was our first win here, so that's important for me. The three points are important but as a manager in my fifth season to win here for the first time is important.

"The players were calm, not nervous and that helped to win the match. Now we have to prove the consistency that we didn't have last season."

Hibs boss: Grant Scott: "It's a tough one to take. We didn't perform to our best or the levels I think we are capable of.

"Hearts were by far the better team in possession and we probably didn't get as close to them as we would have liked.

"I thought we took a bit of time to get started, had a decent spell at the end of the first half but we've had a full week to prepare so there's no excuses for us.

"We will have to dust ourselves off really quickly from this one."

Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton says Sunday's Old Firm derby against Celtic is "just another three points" despite the magnitude of the match.

Crichton has played in the fixture during her time at Celtic, and the 38-year-old knows that a win would carry "bragging rights" for whichever side secures the three points.

"It's a fixture that I've been in the periphery for a long, long time," Crichton said.

"I've come up against both sides as an opposition player, and now to be in here and to understand it a little bit better, I totally get it.

"It's not about me, it's not about my emotions. I'm striving to be as consistent as this club needs me to be, and that's all I can do.

"I respect it immensely, it's great, I'm really looking forward to it, I can't echo that enough. There's no better week to prepare for and we'll see what it brings.

"It's a game that we'll embrace, we're really looking forward to the challenge, I'm excited to see what the Old Firm fixture looks like. I'm interested to see how the two teams match up against one another.

"I think psychologically, for the players, an Old Firm game certainly for maybe 24 hours after it, you come away with bragging rights. But for us, whether we win the game or we don't, it'll give us a better understanding of where we're at for the season ahead.

"The hysteria around the fixture, as we know, growing up in the East End of Glasgow, for me personally, I absolutely get it. But my job when I'm here now and when I'm at the heart of it is to be level, is to be composed and is to be focused on the job, and that's all I can do."

The former midfielder wants her players to focus on the game and treat it as just another chance to gain three points.

Crichton tried to downplay the rivalry, but despite being so early on in the season, acknowledged the importance of a win against Elena Sadiku's side.

"It's all I can ask the players and the staff to do, is to treat it with the respect that the fixture deserves," she added.

"Because it's a huge fixture against one of our biggest rivals. But the reality is it's three points, and that is the focus.

"It would be the same regardless of who we play against, and the consistency factor for me just now is much more important than the fixtures and the opposition that we come up against."