Hibernian’s title hopes disappear as Glasgow City edge towards triumph No 13

Hi be rn ian’ s slim hope sofa first Scottish title since 2007 ended when they lost 2-1 to Glasgow City at Petershill Park. They are now eight points behind the 12-time Scottish champions, who also have a game in hand, writes Alan Campbell.

Celtic, who beat Rangers 3-1 at the K Park to make it a losing competitive start for new head coach Gregory Vignal, are now second on their own in SWPL1 – but remain five points behind City, having also played a game more.

Two first-half goals by top scorer Kirsty Howat gave the champions a deserved lead and it would have been three had Hibs goalkeeper Jenna Fife not made an inspired save from a 25-yard Leanne Ross free-kick.

Hibs were more competitive in a scrappy second half but were reduced to ten after 78 minutes when central defender Siobhan Hunter was booked for a foul. Before the free-kick could be taken she was shown a second yellow for remarks made to the referee.

Despite the disadvantage, Jamie-lee Napier pulled a goal back with eight minutes remaining, but it took another fine save by Fife to deny Howat her hat-trick near the end.

“We were the better team in the first half and Kirsty took her two goals really well,” City head coach Scott Booth pointed out. “The result puts us in a massively commanding position in the league.”

Hibs head coach Grant Scott said :“massive disappointment is the overriding emotion. I’m probably as disappointed as I’ve been in a first half performance against City.”

The other two games in the top division – Motherwell against Spartans and Forfar against Stirling – both ended in 0-0 draws.

In SWPL2, Hamilton Accies are the new leaders on goal difference. They won 2-0 at Dundee United, while Hearts were held 1-1 at home by Kilmarnock.