- Rangers women beat Partick Thistle 1-0, cutting Glasgow City’s lead to two points.
- Kim Shin-ji strike secures vital win despite below-par performance, reigniting title hopes.
- Old Firm clash with Celtic now crucial in tightly contested SWPL title race.
Rangers women cut the gap with SWPL leaders Glasgow City to just two points with their victory over Partick Thistle.
Rangers positive result, a victory thanks to a single goal from Kim Shin-ji, moved Leanne Crichton’s side into third spot.
With Celtic losing to second place Hearts and City losing to champions Hibernian, Rangers are now within one win of the summit.
Kim Shin-ji strike lifts the mood
Women’s captain Nicola Docherty had said following that defeat that Rangers needed “to be ready for Wednesday” and “to win the next game.”
They did exactly that.
Crichton was critical of her team’s performance but relented that three points is the most important outcome at this stage of the season.
“Definitely not our best night, but absolutely important to get over the line,” she said.
“[The schedule] has taken its toll over the last couple of weeks with the magnitude of the games and the effort.”
Can they win the title?
The last time Rangers won the women’s title was in 2021/22.
They have been replaced by several young players such as Laura Berry, Eilidh Austin and May Cruft.
The victory over Glasgow City last week was Leanne Ross’ first defeat of the season and has opened up the title race massively.
Rangers now must defeat Old Firm rivals Celtic on Monday, April 6, to both boost their own hopes, and effectively end the title dreams of their rivals.
Celtic have not beaten Rangers since March 2024, with the Gers unbeaten in the previous 10 derby matches.
They now have former league winning Hibs manager Grant Scott at the helm, offering a new challenge for Crichton.
Read Rangers analysis
Six games remain for the ladies, and just like the men’s side, their fate is in their own hands.
Win every game and they will be champions, any further slip ups and they will lose the initiative.
They will face leaders City on the final day at Petershill Park, in what could be a title decider.
Rangers could also secure a double, with an upcoming Scottish Cup semi-final match against Montrose at Hampden a big chance to secure another final place.
