It wasn’t always comfortable, but it was absolutely massive. Rangers Women secured a vital 1-0 win over Celtic at New Douglas Park in the final Old Firm clash of the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League season—thanks to a composed finish from Kirsty Howat that keeps the title dream well and truly alive.
Earlier in the day, Hibernian and Glasgow City played out a 2-2 draw, opening the door for Rangers to move back into second place. With a vastly superior goal difference and games against Hearts and Hibs still to come, Jo Potter’s side are now just three wins away from a historic domestic treble—something never before achieved in the women’s game.
Nerves but no nonsense
Despite dominating possession and territory for large spells, there were clear signs of nerves in the Rangers camp. Perhaps the occasion, or the knowledge of what was at stake, weighed a little heavy. But Celtic, for all their fight, offered little going forward—most of their danger came from set pieces rather than open play.
It was a scrappy contest at times, and both sides showed they were up for it with a series of strong, committed challenges. But when it mattered, Rangers showed that bit of extra quality.
Howat holds her nerve
The only goal came from a long ball out of defence by Tessel Middag. Celtic hesitated, Howat didn’t. She latched onto the pass, calmly took it round the keeper, and despite pressure from the recovering defender, stroked the ball into the net like a striker full of confidence. It was her fifth goal in Old Firm clashes and once again proved decisive.
That moment should’ve sparked more for Rangers, and while they continued to probe—especially through Brogan Hay and substitute Kirsty Maclean—the second goal never came. Hay had a few sights at goal and Maclean came closest in the second half with a well-struck left-footed shot that forced a save.
Game management wins the day
Celtic had their chances to snatch something late on, with Saoirse Noonan twice threatening, but Jenna Fife was equal to it when called upon, and the defence stood strong under pressure.
The Gers could and should have put the game to bed earlier, but they did what was needed: managed the game well, stayed organised, and played with the sort of professional maturity that’s needed in title-chasing squads.
As the full-time whistle blew, the significance of the result hit home. With two league games remaining and the SWPL Cup already in the bag, this win keeps Rangers within touching distance of a historic clean sweep—League, Scottish Cup, and SWPL Cup.
It’s all to play for now, and as we head to the penultimate league fixture away to Hearts, the message is clear: three games, three wins, and this team writes themselves into Rangers folklore.
💙 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates, live reactions, and more fan coverage.
📲 Don’t forget to like and share! #Rangers #RangersFC #SWPL
What to read more? Check our some of our other latest articles?
- Hot and Hostile: Rangers Draw Panathinaikos in Summer Showdown
- Rangers Hit Back at SFA Notice with Firm, Measured Response
- Rangers Eye Max Aarons Loan – But Deal Still Needs Work
- Harry Darling to Rangers? Why This One Feels Real
- Issame Charai Leaves Rangers as Russell Martin Assembles New Backroom Team
