The ScottishPower Women’s Premier League served up a weekend of pure drama, with a relegation six-pointer producing a comeback for the ages, while the title contenders all secured convincing victories to keep the pressure at the top. Jeetwin brings you an in-depth analysis of all the action, tactical insights, and what these results mean for the thrilling run-in.
A Fight for Survival: Montrose’s Monumental Point
In what will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the games of the season, bottom-half Montrose clawed their way to a spectacular 3-3 draw against a stunned Heart of Midlothian side. This wasn’t just a point; it was a statement of survival intent.
The match at Links Park began as many predicted. Hearts, a team with aspirations of challenging the established top three, raced into a commanding 2-0 lead within the first 21 minutes, both goals courtesy of the clinical Katie Lockwood. For a Montrose side languishing in 11th, the mountain seemed too steep to climb.
However, the second half unveiled a breathtaking display of resilience. Jade McLaren ignited the comeback hope in the 62nd minute, pulling one back for the home side. The momentum shifted seismically just three minutes later when a Georgia Timms own goal brought the scores level, sending the home support into delirium.
Hearts thought they had stolen it back when Timms made amends, providing an assist for Kathleen McGovern to restore their lead with just over 15 minutes to play. But Montrose, fueled by sheer determination, had the final say. In the 88th minute, Aimee Ridgeway emerged as the hero, smashing home her second goal of the season to secure a priceless point.
This result is massive in the relegation picture. As one Jeetwin analyst noted, “That point could be the catalyst Montrose needed. The character they showed against a quality side like Hearts will give them immense belief for the battles ahead.” Their next fixture is a colossal encounter away to bottom-placed Hamilton Accies.
The Title Race Heats Up: Glasgow City, Celtic, and Rangers Respond
While the drama unfolded at the bottom, the league’s heavyweights took care of business with minimal fuss, ensuring the status quo at the summit remains intact.
Glasgow City Bounce Back in Style
After a damaging midweek defeat to Celtic, the reigning champions Glasgow City needed a response. They delivered exactly that with a professional 3-0 victory over Spartans at Petershill Park. Amy Muir settled any early nerves by drilling home a low shot from the edge of the box within just six minutes. Lauren Davidson doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 54th minute before American forward Brenna Lovera nodded in a corner to complete the scoring. This win sets them up perfectly for their crucial UEFA Women’s Champions League clash against SK Brann Kvinner.
Celtic’s Goal Avalanche
Celtic left no room for doubt this time against Motherwell, ruthlessly putting six goals past them in a dominant display. Still buzzing from their victory over Glasgow City, Celtic were relentless from the start. Amy Gallacher and Kit Loferski both grabbed first-half braces, with Chloe Craig also getting on the scoresheet before the break. Tiree Burchill, on loan at Motherwell last season, added a sixth to cap off a performance that sends a clear message to their rivals.
Rangers Keep the Pressure On
Rangers maintained their pursuit of the top spot with a comprehensive 6-0 away win at Hamilton Accies. After a stubborn opening 20 minutes from the Accies defence, the floodgates opened. An own goal broke the deadlock, quickly followed by strikes from Kathryn Hill and Chelsea Cornet. Kirsty Howat, Rio Hardy (from the penalty spot), and Nicola Docherty added three more in the second half to complete the rout and keep their goal difference healthy.
Mid-Table Mayhem: Key Wins for Dundee United and Partick Thistle
Beyond the title and relegation fights, the battle for supremacy in the middle of the table is equally fierce.
Dundee United secured a vital 3-2 win over Aberdeen in a tightly contested match. Cassie Cowper’s stunning first-half free-kick was cancelled out by Bayley Hutchison, but quick responses from Jo Fraser and captain Rachel Todd sealed the three points for United, moving them significantly clear of the automatic relegation place.
The result of the weekend in the mid-table, however, belonged to Partick Thistle. They ended Hibernian’s four-game winning streak with a superb 2-0 away victory. Substitute Lucy Sinclair was the super-sub, coming off the bench to score a quickfire double in the final 20 minutes, propelling the Jags up to fourth in the table.
The weekend’s action on Jeetwin proves the SWPL is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in women’s football. From last-gasp equalizers to title-chasing statements, every game carries immense significance.
What was your standout moment from this weekend’s SWPL action? Do you think Montrose can build on this result to secure their safety? Who are you backing for the title? Share your thoughts and predictions with the Jeetwin community below
