Rangers salvaged their Scottish Women’s Premier League title defence with a narrow Old Firm win against Celtic. Kirsty Howat’s powerful strike after the hour decided a closely-fought contest, giving the defending champions a crucial victory as they aim to build on their maiden title win last season. The win means third-place Rangers are now only behind their rivals on goal difference, and both trail leaders Glasgow City by five points. With four games left and both halves of the Old Firm still to face City, the league is set for an exciting finale.
Rangers had the better of the first half but were fortunate to go in at the break level, as Caitlin Hayes’ header was harshly ruled out for a nudge by Natasha Flint on Rangers goalkeeper Victoria Esson. The champions had tested Pamela Tajonar by half-time, in particular when Rachel McLauchlan’s long-range drive was pushed onto the bar by the Celtic keeper. Howat then smashed a powerful shot in off the post after neat build-up by Rangers, who then had to withstand Celtic pressure. Kelly Clark had the best chance to snatch a draw when Claire O’Riordan’s flicked header was pushed into her path by Esson, but the captain’s effort from four yards struck the outside of a post. Rangers held firm for a crucial win.
Celtic are still in the hunt for their first title and a Champions League spot and host Glasgow City at Celtic Park on Thursday, while Rangers also host City on the final day of the season. Celtic manager Fran Alonso expressed his frustration with the disallowed goal, saying “We scored a legal goal in the first half. We are fighting for our lives – it’s in our hands to win the league, and then it’s an awful decision. We controlled the game, but they have quality and they punished us.” Rangers manager Malky Thomson praised his team for seeing out the game, saying “We spoke before the game about the importance of the three points. We’d have left ourselves a mountain to climb [if we hadn’t won]. The girls were so composed to see that game out, which we’ve not done in previous games.”