Scottish Women's Football

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Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross says her side are "ready to fight" when they come up against Sporting Club in the last 16 of the Europa Cup.

After a stunning second-leg comeback against Danish side HB Koge, winning 6-5 on aggregate, City will face Sporting next month.

"I don't think there's ever going to be an easy tie at this stage of the competition," Ross said. "It's certainly going to be a difficult night for us.

"But I think with the character you've seen on Wednesday, we're ready to fight and we're ready to be there for each other and just go as far as we can in this competition."

The City boss admits she's been in touch with former Scotland team-mate - and current Rosengaard boss - Shannon Lynn to get the lowdown on their upcoming opponents.

"I saw that they had played Rosengard in the previous round so I've been in touch with Shannon already," Ross said.

"If other clubs can help us in any way then that would be great and I like to think that we would do the same for other teams.

"It's good to have that network you can rely on to support your analysis a little bit."

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Fresh from a European victory, Glasgow City travel across Glasgow to face Celtic on Sunday with the hope of retaining the top spot on the SWPL table - and you can watch it live on the BBC.

Runners-up last term and 16-time champions Glasgow City lead the way after eight games with 22 points from a possible 24.

Celtic sit three points behind in second, having lost 2-0 to Rangers last month, both are ahead of reigning champions Hibernian who are playing catch-up in third.

Leanne Ross' side come straight off a 6-5 midweek victory on aggregate over HB Koge, which saw them progress to the last 16 of the inaugural Europa Cup, while Celtic go into the game on the back of a resounding 7-1 win over Motherwell last weekend.

City forward Nicola Kozlova will be one to watch after she was named September's SWPL player of the month, scoring three goals last month including the winner at Ibrox in City's 1-0 win over Rangers.

Celtic defender Emma Lawton and City duo Lee Gibson and Amy Muir will also be hoping to make a mark ahead of Scotland's international friendly matches against Morocco and Switzerland next weekend.

With no other team able to catch City in the league apart from Celtic, Grant Scott's Hibs will be hoping to close the gap with three points over Motherwell.

Elsewhere, Leanne Crichton's Rangers will be looking to bounce back after a defeat to Hibs last weekend as they host Hamilton, who sit bottom of the table, while fourth-place Hearts travel to Aberdeen.

And ninth-place Partick Thistle host eighth-place Montrose, with both sides vying for three points in attempt to climb the table.

How to follow on BBC

Celtic v Glasgow City will be live on BBC Alba. Kick off is 16:10 BST.

You can find match reports from all five matches on the BBC Sport website and app.

Sportscene SWPL highlights will be on the BBC Scotland channel on Monday night at 19:30 BST with a repeat on BBC One Scotland at 23:10 BST.

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Wednesday was "one of the greatest nights in European history" for Glasgow City, says former goalkeeper Gemma Fay.

Leanne Ross's side defeated Koge 6-5 on aggregate to progress to the last 16 of the inaugural Europa Cup.

The Glasgow club scored twice in stoppage time with overcome the Danish outfit in an eight-goal thriller at Petershill Park.

Fay, who played in the Champions League with City, believes Wednesday night is another for the history books.

"Is this one of the greatest nights in European history for Glasgow City? Emphatically, you must answer yes," the goalkeeper said.

"To score two goals in injury time after losing a goal in the 85th minute, it's phenomenal. There's not many words that can describe what we've seen here tonight [Wednesday].

"An absolutely astounding game of European football and, to a player out there, they worked their absolute socks off.

"Yes, there were mistakes, but how they recovered from it, everybody should stand up and take notice of that. You are going to make mistakes in every walk of life, but it's how you react.

"Absolutely phenomenal. Glasgow City in Europe is just a thing. They can't help but create excitement, they can't help but have moments like this. They can't help but do the unexpected.

"You can never sit back and think, 'that's just it'. Not when the opposition score in the first moments to go 3-1 up on aggregate. Not when the opposition score in the 85th minute.

"They find a way and have found a way again."

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Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross feels her players got the result they deserved after coming from behind against FC Koge to progress to the last 16 of the Europa Cup.

The Glasgow club were 2-1 down in the tie before kick-off at Petershill Park last night and when Mille Gejl gave the visitors the advantage on the night after three minutes, it looked like City's European dream was ending.

But a stunning comeback from Ross' side allowed Lisa Forrest to net the winning goal in second half stoppage time and put City's name in the hat for the next round.

"I'm delighted for the players you could see the effort that they put in," the boss told club media.

"Especially after going a goal down on the night that took us further behind in the tie. You can see the character and team spirit that was there and I'm absolutely delighted that they pulled through and got another famous victory.

"It wasn't in the gameplan to go further behind in the tie but I was always confident that we would get chances in the game.

"I think every player that went out on the pitch gave us everything, did what we asked them to do and we got the result I think we deserved on the night.

"This is what we wanted. We wanted to give ourselves an opportunity to play another top team."

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Team spirit and clinical finishing earned Glasgow City a place in the last 16 of the Europa Cup, according to a delighted Lisa Evans.

The SWPL leaders scored twice in stoppage time to beat Danish side Koge 5-3 at Petershill Park, giving them a 6-5 aggregate victory.

"That epitomised what the club is all about," experienced winger Evans told club media. "It was a real gritty, determined performance.

"We left everything out there. Everyone was knocking their pan in. I've just so proud of them all."

Two of City's goals came from Evans' corners, while substitute Lisa Forrest headed in the last-gasp winner.

"From start to finish, we all got behind each other, we really pushed and believed we could get the result," added Evans.

"We know we are capable of scoring against anyone. We were really ruthless in front of goal. We've got top players at that end of the pitch.

"It was a bit more entertaining than we would have liked but we got the job done and it's amazing."

Head coach Leanne Ross echoed those thoughts, saying: "Every player on the pitch gave us everything and we got the result I think we deserved.

"Even after losing such an early goal I was always confident we'd get chances.

"We changed tactically, trying to get more numbers forward.

"The squad has gelled so well this season and you could see that team spirit. They always want to do well for each another."

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The SWPL has announced total payments to clubs of £549,000, which is an increase of 41% on the previous year.

The league's turnover surpassed £1m for the first time.

Club fee payments make up the bulk of monies received, with £100,000 awarded as prize money via the Sky Sports Cup.

"These results are a powerful testament to the dedication and ambition of our clubs in driving the continued growth of women's football across Scotland," said the SWPL managing director Fiona McIntyre.

"Broadcast partners Sky Sports, BBC ALBA, and BBC Scotland have been instrumental in driving both financial growth and visibility for the league. Their support is reflected not only in the financial results but also in rising viewership, with over 2.4 million people tuning in to watch SWPL matches online or on television last season."

The SWPL also announced the appointment of Elizabeth Fagan as its new chair.

"The growth of the women's game in Scotland has been extraordinary, and I'm committed to building on that momentum," she said.

"Together with our clubs, players, and supporters, we will continue to elevate the profile of women's football, champion equality, and create lasting opportunities for future generations."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Noa Schumacher (Hibernian): Despite conceding two goals, she was solid otherwise in handling what was thrown her way. Made a vital stop late on in the match to ensure her side picked up three points rather than one.

Emma Lawton (Celtic): Full of energy and intent. Reacted well to the rebound to score her first goal of the season for her side.

Toni Leigh Finnegan (Aberdeen): Part of a back line that were alert when they had to go against Hamilton Accies. Keeping a clean sheet was another positive along with what was an important win.

Lizzie Waldie (Hearts): A clean sheet and an assist so it was a good afternoon's work. Comfortable playing out from the back too.

Morgan Cross (Celtic): Really making a name for herself this season. Got Celtic off the mark with great persistence, then showed brilliant composure for her second. Was in the thick of everything that was good about Celtic with her pace and deliveries.

Aimee Black (Aberdeen): Played with real confidence as her pace allowed her to get into good positions for both her goals.

Emily Whelan (Glasgow City): Was lively up and down the wing for City and provided assists for both goals. Key in helping her side as they maintained their unbeaten start to the season and remained top of the SWPL table.

Rosie Livingstone (Hibernian): Her persistence to get her goal typified her performance and terrific work rate. Her strike just before half time provided the spark Hibs needed as they came from 2-0 down to seal a brilliant win.

Eilidh Adams (Hibernian): Played a significant role in helping Hibs take all three points in this one. Assisted the equalising goal and scored the winner, with a sublime one touch finish.

Carly Johns (Hearts): Started the rout for Hearts as she won a penalty and then converted it. The opener seemed to settle the side and set the tone for the rest of the match. As well as her goal, her quality on the ball shone through.

Bayley Hutchison (Hearts): Grabbed a hat-trick as she showed all her qualities, pace, power and finishing. She could have had more too. Definitely getting back to her best and getting herself into great positions.

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Aberdeen boss Scott Booth: Really happy with the win, and the players. We were really aggressive and managed to pin Hamilton back for the majority of the game. We scored some good goals and had some good chances.

On another day it could have been more, but to keep a clean sheet was excellent.

We keep progressing as a team and keep getting better. The three points are really important.

Hamilton Academical manager Robert Watson: We're disappointed to lose. It was a strange 90 minutes.

Our Achilles heel this season is not being ruthless enough in both boxes and that was combined with some individual errors at the both ends.

Disappointed to be leaving with a defeat, I don't think there were five goals in it - it was really evenly matched at points.

We're not far away but we need to improve in individual areas and sections of play.

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Hibernian boss Grant Scott: It was a mad one for us to go 2-0 down against quality opposition like that. I feared for us a little and the next goal was crucial. I can't praise the players enough for turning that around.

It was an unusual half time, I don't usually dig the players out but they gave us the response we were after. Credit to the players for reacting and giving us big opportunities in the second half.

There's no pressure on us at this point but it's nice to get one over our close rivals.

Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton: I'm disappointed. We allowed Hibs to get back into the game and didn't find the levels we were capable of.

You want to win games, the players are disappointed. I'm not sure we can feel sorry for ourselves, we need to manage the game better.

It's a tough learning experience, it will make us better. We know what every team is about now and we know we can compete so we need to make sure we get better.

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Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: The performance pleased me because we were consistent for 90 minutes. We showed our strengths from the start to the finish, which I'm very happy about.

The players who started the game did really well and the ones who finished the game did really well.

Motherwell manager Paul Brownlie: Disappointed to lose by that margin at the end. I didn't think it was a 7-1 game but the players gave everything.

Our game management has to be better and at this level, when it's not, you get punished.

It's been a difficult start against the top five, it's a big step up. It was a challenge there, but we're still in a good place so we need to respond properly and prepare as well as we can for next Sunday.

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Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross: It was important to get a few legs rested ahead of a big game on Wednesday. It's not about getting game time for other players, they've earned it and have been pushing each other really hard.

We've assembled a big and strong squad. The competition for places keeps us competitive throughout the season.

We limit chances for opponents in the way we defend, although we weren't at our best in terms of possession, we've still come away with a clean sheet again.

We need to keep training hard, focus on our next opponent and give it all, whoever we are playing.

Partick Thistle head coach David Elliot: The girls worked really hard.

We seem to lose goals in a phase of play but one of the positives is that we were very resilient after we lost the goal. We kept our shape, didn't panic and stood firm.

They fought for each other, covered each other and helped each other out at dangerous phases of play.

Glasgow City are a good side so we knew we would have to defend well and we did that.

When we do get the ball, we need to keep it better at times and use that to the best of our ability.

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Hearts manager Eva Olid: We were not happy at half time with the performance in the first half. Montrose had chances and we weren't really controlling the game. We scored two set plays because it was so difficult to find space.

The second half, we were so much better and I was happy with the performance.

I'm so happy with everyone. Everyone can give a lot on the team and as a manager that is so good.

Montrose boss Craig Feroz: It's a tale of two leagues, we need to wait for the split because the gulf is massive. It's disheartening but Hearts deserve to win.

We were good in the first half but the second half, we were poor.

I don't think there was much between us in the first half and I was very proud but the fitness in the second half made it a totally different game.

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Hibernian and Rangers renew their rivalry on Sunday for the first time since the Leith side won at Ibrox in May to pip their hosts to the Scottish title - and you can watch it live on the BBC.

This time, both find themselves playing catch-up as 16-time champions Glasgow City, who finished runners-up last term, lead the way after seven games.

Rangers sit three points behind in second, with hosts Hibs two points further back in fourth.

Linzi Taylor's late title winner in May means Grant Scott's Hibs head into the game having won the three previous meetings.

Rangers full-back Nicola Docherty, forward team-mate Mia McAulay and Hibs striker Kathleen McGovern could be ones to watch having been named in Melissa Andreatta's Scotland squad earlier in the week.

McGovern netted a brace for Hibs in their 9-0 victory over Motherwell in the Sky Sports Cup second round last weekend, while McAulay added one to Rangers' 12-0 scoreline against St Johnstone.

With City being favourites to take another three points as they host Partick Thistle in a Glasgow derby at the same time, Grant Scott's Hibs and Leanne Crichton's visitors will know they probably need all three points to make sure they do not slip further behind.

Elsewhere, third-top Celtic, who are on the same points as Rangers, host Motherwell, while fourth-placed Heart of Midlothian entertain Montrose.

Hamilton Academical, who are bottom of the table without a win, travel to take on an Aberdeen side who are four points and one place above.

How to follow on BBC

Hibernian v Rangers will be live on BBC Alba. Kick-off is 13:10 BST.

You can find match reports from all five matches on the BBC Sport Scotland website and app.

Sportscene SWPL highlights will be on the BBC Scotland channel on Monday night at 19:30 BST with a repeat on BBC One Scotland at 23:10 BST.

Image source, SNS

Glasgow City forward Nicole Kozlova has been named September's SWPL player of the month.

The Ukraine international scored three goals during the month for Leanne Ross' side, including the winner at Ibrox in City's 1-0 win over Rangers.

Kozlova also netted a brace in a dominant 5-1 victory over Heart of Midlothian in which she completed 100% of all dribbles and ended the game with an 87% pass rate.

City currently sit unbeaten at the top of the SWPL table after seven matches.