What Happened this Weekend?
As both SWPL 1 and 2 reach their dramatic conclusions, we're taking a look at the headlines in a weekend that has seen a number of twists in the races across the leagues.
The calculator has been out again… The weekend gave us further twists and turns across the SWPL, but, some teams have now had their fates confirmed as we barrel towards May 18th league conclusions.
Hibernian Confirm Highest Finish Since 2019
With a 3-1 win in the Edinburgh Derby, combined with Glasgow City’s win over Celtic earlier in the day, Hibernian have confirmed a top three finish for the first time since they were runners up in the 2019 campaign.
With both Glasgow City and Rangers to come in their final three fixtures it gets very complicated plotting their path back to the Champions League or to the title. To make it simple, Hibernian can finish with a maximum of 79 points, Glasgow City with 76, and Rangers with 74. This Sunday they host Glasgow City at Meadowbank in a game that could be decisive
If they beat Glasgow City then only two further points would be required to secure the title, giving them the chance to lift the trophy in their final home game, midweek against Celtic…
If they beat City and Rangers lose the Old Firm later that day then a single point would secure the title…
No matter the result in between Hibernian and Glasgow City, if Rangers lose in either the Old Firm or against Hearts midweek then 72 points (two more than Hibernian have currently got) will secure European football in the 2025/26 season.
If Glasgow City win on Sunday then Grant Scott and his side will be relying on the record title winners dropping points against either Motherwell or Hearts in the final two games of the season while Hibs win both.
Celtic and Hearts are Out of the Race
It will be a bank holiday Monday tinged with regret for Eva Olid and Elena Sadiku. Both came into the season with expectations beyond their current position, and with three games to go both are only playing for pride from here on out.
For last season’s champions, Celtic, this season has been a sharp fall in both performance and results. Since the early days of the season there has been talk over their struggles to create chances for their attacking players and six losses (an increase from two last season) does not paint a good picture of their defensive efforts either. While Sadiku will always be remembered by the fans for delivering that first title there has been some discontent spreading amongst the Celtic faithful as a potential fifth placed finish looms.
For Hearts, the disappointment of the season largely comes as a comparison to their city rivals rather than to themselves. Last season’s points tally come on the final whistle was 54, an achievement which was their highest ever tally in an SWPL campaign. With 56 so far, they will beat that record no matter their final results.
Montrose Take a Step Towards Safety
Montrose have taken to life post-split like a team renewed. Coming into it clear in the relegation zone they needed something to pull them out and they have found it, taking more points (16) in the seven post-split games than they achieved in the 22 prior (14).
Like the title race, the relegation battle is still very complicated when it comes to what each team needs to do to stay up. With three to go Montrose can achieve a maximum of 39 points, Spartans the same but they have a 21 goal difference advantage, Aberdeen can get to 43, and Partick Thistle 45
If Aberdeen beat Montrose on Wednesday, the Dons’ safety is secured, with Thistle one point from securing safety with a game in hand, leaving Spartans and Montrose in a straight shootout for safety.
If Montrose win then they will live to fight another day, but will need Spartans or Aberdeen to drop more points than they do in their final three. Both Montrose and Spartans have Partick Thistle to play again.
Hamilton Accies Place One Hand on the Trophy
Finally, Hamilton have taken a huge step in the SWPL 2 title (and promotion) race. Their strong lead has been slowly eroded in the back half of the season but with a big win over St Johnstone coinciding with chasers Kilmarnock and Boroughmuir Thistle holding each other to a draw, an opportunity has opened up
One more win secures the title heads their way, and a return to SWPL 1. They face Gartcairn (4th) away this weekend, followed by a home fixture against Rossvale (7th).
If Kilmarnock lose either of their final two then the title will also be confirmed. A Kilmarnock draw would mean that a single point would likely secure the title for Hamilton who have an advantage of 30 on goal difference.
SWPL 2 also has a TBC over the relegation battle, both Rossvale and Ayr are confirmed to be the bottom two with the question mark hanging over who will play the SWF Championship runner up in a playoff. Currently Rossvale hold that position, they need four more points to guarantee safety no matter what Ayr do. The final day sees Rossvale play Hamilton while Ayr are in the derby against Kilmarnock, potential to throw a spanner in the title race while they focus on their own safety.