KATIE WILKINSON was the Old Firm hat-trick hero as Rangers secured the derby bragging rights by defeating Celtic 3-0 to move up to second in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League.
The striker grabbed a first half double, including a stunning free-kick, before completing her treble from the penalty spot late on as Leanne Crichton’s side picked up another crucial victory in the title race.
The win sees the Gers move one point behind leaders Hearts, who defeated Glasgow City on Sunday night.
From the last match against Partick Thistle, there were two changes with Jodi McLeary and May Cruft coming into the team, in place of Laura Rafferty and Laura Berry.
Jenna Fife retained her place between the sticks, with McLeary coming in at right-back, Eilidh Austin moved inside to partner Jess Pegram in the centre of defence with captain Nicola Docherty completing the back four.
Cruft joined midfield alongside Kim Shin Ji, while Camille Lafaix continued her run in the number 10 position.
Brogan Hay lined-up for the second match running, with Calliste Brookshire on the opposite wing and Katie Wilkinson leading the line for the Light Blues.
It was Rangers who had the advantage in this game with just 15 minutes played in Hamilton. A great ball was delivered into the box by Hay on the right, and Wilkinson was on hand to send a composed header beyond the keeper.
There was a huge chance for Rangers to double their lead shortly after. McLeary found Lafaix with a throw-in, and she played a one-two with Wilkinson, before curling a lovely right-footed shot towards goal but it was just wide of the post.
The second goal did come five minutes before the half-time break, and it was a superb free-kick from Wilkinson. The striker stood over the ball 25-yards out and her only thought was going for goal as she curled a perfect right-footed hit over the wall and into the back of the net.
Crichton’s side looked to pick up where they left off at the start of the second period and they had a chance to add a third three minutes after the restart.
Brookshire burst through before laying it off to Wilkinson who was unselfish as she teed up Hay on the edge of the box. The winger got her shot away but it was straight at the keeper.
The Light Blues were keeping the home side at bay, with Austin and Pegram both making crucial blocks to keep the two-goal lead intact.
Brookshire’s pace and close control was causing all sorts of problems and after another brilliant run her delivery looked to be tapped home by sub Laura Berry, but Hannah Luke got there first to turn it behind.
Mia McAulay had a shot smothered within a minute of climbing off the bench, before Shin Ji saw her effort gathered from 20-yards out.
The result was put beyond doubt with two minutes left as Cruft was upended inside the penalty area by Emma Lawton.
Wilkinson took the responsibility and she made no mistake by firing it low into the bottom corner to secure another deserved Old Firm victory.
Rangers: Fife, Docherty, Pegram, Hay (Berry 55), Austin, Lafaix (McAulay 74), Cruft, Brookshire, McLeary, Wilkinson (Black 90), Shin Ji.
Subs: Kelly, Rafferty, Sabajo, Mengwen, Connolly-Jackson, Boyce.
Celtic: Gay, Walsh, Robertson, Gallacher (Smith 72), Pritchard, Rabjohn (Nakao 46), Clark, Cross, Luke (Craig 72), Noonan (McGregor 72), Lawton.
Subs: Rodgers, O’Hanlon, Dawson.
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