Scottish Women’s Premier League
Hibernian secured their first Scottish Women’s Premier League title in 18 years, defeating Rangers 1-0 at Ibrox in a tense final day showdown.
Linzi Taylor’s 74th minute strike from a Kathleen McGovern cross proved decisive, ensuring Hibs finished top and denied Rangers the crown, who needed a win to claim the title on goal difference. The result saw Rangers slip to third, missing out on UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification.
This is because Glasgow City capitalised on Rangers’ defeat, securing second place and a Champions League spot with a 2-0 victory over Hearts. Kimberley Smit opened the scoring with a firm header from a corner, and Nicole Kozlova doubled the lead seconds into the second half after stealing possession from the kick off and finishing clinically. Despite some chances, Hearts couldn’t test City goalkeeper Lee Gibson, allowing City to leapfrog Rangers in the standings.
Elsewhere, Celtic ended their SWPL campaign with a convincing 6-0 win over Motherwell at Celtic Park. Lucy Ashworth-Clifford and Maria McAneny scored early, with Ashworth-Clifford adding a second before the break. McAneny, Morgan Cross, and Saoirse Noonan also found the net, ensuring Celtic finished in fourth place, while Motherwell ended the season in sixth.
Spartans were relegated from SWPL 1 after a 2-1 defeat to Partick Thistle. Hannah Robinson’s long range stunner and Olivia King’s powerful low drive gave Thistle a two-goal lead, and despite Erin Rennie pulling one back from the penalty spot, Spartans couldn’t find an equaliser.
Montrose meanwhile secured their top flight status with a 4-0 win over Dundee United, where Sophia Martin, Holly Daniel, Neve Guthrie, and Louise Brown scored, allowing them to leapfrog Spartans and avoid relegation.
Aberdeen rounded off their season with a 3-0 victory against Queen’s Park. Darcie Miller opened the scoring, followed by Kerry Beattie’s rebound finish, and Eva Thomson’s superb strike off the bar. Despite the win, Aberdeen finished in seventh place, a single point behind Partick Thistle, who claimed the top spot in the bottom half with their win over Spartans.
SWPL 2
Newly crowned Champions Hamilton Academical rounded off their successful campaign in style, running out 5-1 winners over Rossvale who will face a play-off to decide their status for next season. Josephine Giard and Sophie Townsley each scored twice for the Accies and Justine Strain was also on target, with the visitors’ consolation coming from Megan Whiteford.
Kilmarnock meanwhile picked up the result they needed in order to clinch the runners-up spot, but the 5-2 victory means that opponents Ayr Utd are relegated back to the Championship. Abby Robinson, Laura McLaughlin, Lucie Burns, Cara Gray and Mia Scott all netted a goal apiece for Killie, whilst Ayr replied through Jodie Barbour and Sarah Petherick.
Boroughmuir Thistle complete the top three following their 3-2 success against Gartcairn Women at Meadowbank Stadium. Amy Forbes, Rebecca Galbraith and Fiona Gibson were all on target for Thistle, with Abbi McDonald and an own goal replying. Niamh Irvine and Leah Sidey accounted for the goals as St Johnstone wound up their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Livingston, whose consolation was scored by Elise Macara.
PHOTOS:
(Top right) - Linzi Taylor wheels away after scoring the title winning goal for Hibernian against Rangers
(Middle) - Celebration time for Hibernian
(Above) - Hamilton Academical receive the SWPL 2 trophy
Photos by SWPL/Colin Poultney
