United’ s women tee up play-off slot despite loss

Dundee United women lived to fight another day in the SWPL despite slipping to a 1-0 defeat against Motherwell on the final day of the regular season.

Suzy Shepherd’s side, who went into yesterday’s contest one point ahead of rockbottom Hamilton, owe a debt of gratitude to Montrose following the Gable Endies’ 3-0 win at Accies.

It ensured United finished 11th and will now contest a one-off play-off on Thursday against Kilmarnock, the second-placed team in SWPL2, for a spot in next term’s top flight.

That Falkirk Stadium showdown will be televised live on BBC Alba on Thursday night.

Shepherd said: “We didn’t want to rely on Hamilton getting beat. We wanted to pick up points on Sunday and we have fallen short.

“But there were positives to take, especially in the second half, and considering it was our third game in a week; a lot of tired legs out there. The players showed character to keep going and pushing.

“I can definitely see improvement in the group every week, in and out of possession.

“We have a better shape defensively and we are asking the players to put a shift in – and they are giving us everything.”

Shepherd continued:

“We’ll need to rest and recover and see how the injured players are; there are a few tired legs.

“But we’ll be in on Tuesday for analysis and to assess where we are.

“And we’ll start prepping for Thursday night, hopefully with every player fit and well. We’ll do our homework and we’ll be ready.”

Of those knocks, by far the most concerning was the knee injury sustained by star forward Robyn Smith.

United’s No 9 and vice-captain received treatment for 10 minutes in the second period before being taken to Ninewells Hospital.

Shepherd added: “Robyn went away in an ambulance so we’ll get an update. Hopefully, she is OK and it was more of a fright than anything.

“But we’ll know more soon.”

Celtic clinched their first SWPL title thanks to a last-gasp 1-0 win over Hibernian.

Level on points with Rangers – and with a +16 goal difference – Elena Sadiku’s side knew a win would seal the title having missed out in the final seconds last term.

The Gers won 4-0 at home to Partick Thistle and the silverware looked to be Ibroxbound until Amy Gallacher’s 90thminute winner against the Hibees.

United’s Tash Bruce, second right, in action in the home game against Motherwell yesterday.