Celtic women gear up for new era with NINE goal demolition but Rangers match them all the way - SWPL roundup

David Haley signed off from his brief interim Celtic boss stint with a 100 per cent record after a 9-0 demolition of Montrose.

Ex-Everton academy gaffer Elena Sadiku takes over as manager today with her first priority to prepare for Friday’s Sky Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers. Jo Potter’s Gers battered Dundee United 10-0 with Scotland striker Jane Ross claiming five of those goals in her first league start in over two years.

For Celtic, there were braces for Amy Gallacher and Tiree Burchill while Shen Menglu, Colette Cavanagh, Kelly Clark, Sydney Cummings and Murphy Agnew also chipped in with goals. No.2 Haley said: “It’s a big week. Elena will come in and make a positive impact, I’m sure.”

Glasgow City got their first SWPL win of the year too with an emphatic 5-1 success over Spartans with a Lauren Davidson double plus strikes from Emily Whelan, Kinga Kozak and Aleigh Gambone. Leanne Ross insisted it wouldn’t take long to see just why she brought Fiona Brown back to the club and she was proven correct.

The Scotland forward came off the bench to set up the fourth goal and is raring to go as City bid to pull back Celtic and Gers. Brown said: “We need to win and put points on the board. I love the big games and that’s what we’ve got from here on in.”

Rangers continue to set the pace with the addition of a flying Ross underlining their serious firepower. There were also goals from Kirsty MacLean, Mia McAulay, Brogan Hay and Sarah Ewens (two) in the victory over United.