Rangers win leaves City seven points from top spot

GLASGOW CITY, who clinched the title at Ibrox on a pulsating final day of the season last term, and who have long been the dominant force in Scottish women’s football, were left looking at a seven- point deficit between themselves and league leaders Rangers yesterday afternoon while they also trail Elena Sadiku’s Celtic by six.

With Champions League access available to the league runners- up, second place also carries weight.

The reigning champions had headed into the break at Broadwood on level terms and after a strong opening period. Rio Hardy had given Rangers the lead from the spot before Lauren Davidson netted to restore parity.

Any pretensions of taking something from the game, however, were quickly put to the bed in a second period in which Rangers took firm control, running over the top of City in a show of strength. Goals from Lizzie Arnot, Chelsea Cornet and Mia McAulay – Arnot and McAulay’s in particular strong goal of the year contenders – left City dispirited and demoralised.

Leanne Ross accepted there had been a second- half capitulation while her body language and demeanour would suggest she appreciates the reality of the club’s position.

“It is going to be very difficult,” she said. “But we need to be professional and we need to keep fighting. There are seven games left so we just need to fight for every point.

“We collapsed in the second half and Rangers took advantage of that. They are a very good team and we can’t allow them that time and space in the wide areas to go and get those finishes and then to lose a goal from a set- piece is also disappointing.”

For Jo Potter, this result was vindication of the message she has delivered to the Rangers players throughout this campaign. They have lost just once on league duty – to Celtic – but have set a consistent tone throughout the season.

“We say week in, week out how we want to be consistent and we want to perform and prove that we are the best,” she said. “This one was big mentally.”

Celtic beat Thistle 5- 0 and, with a superior goal difference to add to the mix, will fancy themselves capable of fighting for their first league title.

“We need to win every game, if we do that we’ll win the league,” said Murphy Agnew who netted a brace in the win, with Caitlin Hayes also netted while Natasha Flint claimed a double.

It remains as tight at the bottom end of the table. Dundee United and Hamilton Accies both lost – Accies squandered a 2- 1 lead against Aberdeen to end up losing 3- 2, while Motherwell beat Dundee United 2- 1. Montrose beat Spartans 2- 1.