SWPL 1: Rangers continue to dominate, Hibs sink Hearts | OneFootball

From Forfar to Milngavie, goals were galore in this week’s SWPL1 fixtures. In just the second week back, the teams didn’t take long to find their rhythm. The battle at the top is still as tight, as well as the fight to stay up at the bottom.

Forfar Farmington 0-7 Glasgow City

Reigning champions Glasgow City travelled to the North East of Scotland to take on Forfar Farmington. Last time out, the scoreline ended 8-1 to City, so Forfar were hoping to counter that blowing defeat. Unfortunately, seven goals and a perfect game plan brought a repeat of the last time.

Forfar went into the second half only one goal down, but Kevin McGreskin’s side struggled to get their foot in the door afterwards.

The experience of debutant Ode Fulutuduli shone through in her hat-trick and Player of the Match performance. Goals were also in order for Jo Love, Julia Molin, Sharon Wojcik and Nicole Robertson who got their share of the glory. Hayley Lauder consistently did what she does best, by making play from the middle and feeding her team-mates. Farmington were simply outclassed in all areas of the park.

A commanding display from the Glasgow outfit saw them go home with all three points, and Forfar with lots to learn against a top team of internationalists.

Celtic 3-0 Hearts

The Celts got back to winning ways with a convincing three goal tally against Hearts at home. Both teams went into the game off the back of losses, so it was all about who could bounce back. Celtic controlled the game from the start and the rewards came with it.

Missing that clinical finish, the home side didn’t get their breakthrough until the 57th minute. Donaldson opened the scoring from a cross, and from there on it was about putting the game to bed.

Hearts hung in there, but Sarah Ewans found herself with two goals in the space of 15 minutes. Three goals could’ve been a lot more, the Hoops just didn’t put all their chances away. The bottom of the table is now occupied by Hearts with Motherwell tied on points. Celtic still cling on to their third place spot.

Hibernian 3-2 Motherwell

Hibs put on a display of great football to scoop up the much-needed three points against Motherwell. Donald Jennow was hoping to pull his side away from the relegation zone, but one goal made the difference like last week against Forfar.

It was a shaky start for the home side – Motherwell opened the scoring from a corner. Emily Mutch was beaten by a Callaghan header.

Hibs found their way back in and brought the tempo to their opponents, who struggled to keep up. Amy Gallacher and Collette Cavanagh put two past the visitors to go in to the break ahead. Gallagher – who picked up POTM – finished off Hibs’ scoring with a beautifully stricken free-kick.

Play was all in green kits until Motherwell limited the damage with a goal three minutes before the 90. Two poorly defended corners denying Hibernian their clean sheet.

Rangers 5-0 Spartans

Full of confidence from their emphatic win over Hearts, Rangers marked their return to Auchenhowie with a 5-0 win over Spartans. One goal separated the sides the last time out – the Gers scraped three points at Ainslie Park. This time was a different story as Malky Thomson’s squad ran riot at home to stay at the top of the table.

From the first whistle to the last, Rangers never brought the pace of the game to a lower level. The classic Rangers style of play was displayed throughout, quick link-up play and confidence going forward. Chances came but they were never put away, with a couple even cleared off the line.

Kirsty Howat opened the scoring with a header, Zoe Ness doing the same just four from the break – Emma Brownlie assisting both. The second half was as persistent as the first. Spartans struggled to get the ball out their own half. Lizzie Arnot was rewarded for her hard work with a goal as the hour mark passed, but again they pushed for more.

Debutant Chantelle Swaby soon came off after a wonderful display at the back. Super sub Clare Gemmell got the fourth with a finessed left-footed strike, after some great play by Brogan Hay. Spartans started to tire, but Rangers went to the end. Howat grabbed her second of the day and last for the Light Blues. The Edinburgh side went home with no clear-cut chances nor points. It was Rangers from start to finish.

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