After a promising start from the Gers, they fell behind to a Caitlin Hayes header in the first half to trail at the break. The hosts took control of the contest through a quick-fire double from Amy Gallacher and a second of the night from Hayes as Celtic claimed the three points in the side’s return to league action.
Malky Thomson named four changes to his side from the team that beat Rossvale 13-0 in their last outing. Captain Kathryn Hill, Sam Kerr, Brogan Hay and Kirsty Howat all came into the starting eleven.
There was a minute’s applause prior to kick off to mark the passing of Hibs chairman Ron Gordon, who died earlier this week aged 68.
Rangers started in promising fashion and on the front foot in Airdrie. Getting joy down the right flank in the opening stages, Rachel McLauchlan did well to combine with Brogan Hay before delivering a dangerous cross which was cleared away by the Celtic back line.
The Gers had a couple of early ambitious efforts from range through Howat and McLauchlan but both unable to hit the target from distance as the visitors continued to probe in the opening stages.
Celtic went the closest to making the breakthrough after showing little attacking threat in the opening 10 minutes. After a switch of play from the right side, Natasha Flint picked up the ball in a dangerous position in the final third, shifting the ball onto her right foot she saw her shot come off the outside of the right post and behind.
The home side went in front just short of the 15 minute mark, a corner kick delivery from the left side by Jacynta was met by the head of Hayes who was on hand to break the deadlock at the far post.
Rangers went in search of a quick response, a cross-come-shot by McLauchlan had Pamela Tajonar in the Celtic goal scrambling but she did well to tip the ball over the bar and behind for a corner.
The Light Blues were ramping up the pressure as they pressed for an equaliser. Hay did superbly well to dig out a cross on the right touchline. Looking for Lizzie Arnot who arrived at the far post, her effort with her head from close range was diverted behind.
Malky Thomson’s side did well to win the ball high with an effective press as it was picked up by Howat on the left side. Spotting Jenny Danielsson in a central area, she found the midfielder who had a space to fire a shot but it sailed just over the crossbar.
Howat tried another shot from distance which was safely gathered by Tajonar, the Gers continuing to keep possession and pose a threat but were unable to find a break through with just over 10 minutes until the interval at the Excelsior Stadium.
Rangers were continuing to get joy down the right flank, Brogan Hay did well to create space for herself inside the area as she shifted it past Claire O’Riordan, but her shot from a tight angle was gathered at the near post by the Celtic goalkeeper.
Celtic doubled their advantage straight after the restart. Shen Menglu was released down the left flank after some good work from Natasha Flint in the middle of the pitch. Bursting down the flank she did well to cut the ball back, breaking to the feet of Amy Gallacher her left footed shot was deflected and left Jenna Fife in goal with little chance.
Two soon became three and it was from another Celtic set-piece as the home side made it three.
Hayes once again got on the end of a corner kick delivery as she headed home from close range for the second time on the night as the hosts stretched their lead even further after a quick start to the second period.
Rangers looked for some hope as Hannah Davison looked to get on the end of a corner. Meeting the ball with her head it went through a crowd of bodies but the Celtic keeper held on to stop the ball crossing the line.
Howat did brilliantly to control a difficult ball as she linked with Danielsson. The latter firing a left footed shot just wide of the post as the Gers looked to reduce the deficit.
The home side were creating opportunities to go further in front as Rangers made a triple substitution to try make an impact on the game. McLeary, Cornet and Watson all coming on for the away side.
Danielsson went close to pulling a goal back as she fired a 25 yard free kick towards goal, but Tajonar was on hand to tip the effort over the bar as the game approached the final 10 minutes in Airdrie.
The midfielder was played in behind after a clever lobbed through ball by Howat. Taking it in her stride she burst behind the Celtic backline with space in front of her, but Hana Kerner did well to recover and make the block as the chance went a-begging.
The Gers created further openings towards the end of the contest but were unable to find a consolation as they fell to defeat in their return to league action. They face Partick Thistle next on Wednesday night.
CELTIC: Tajonar, O’Riordan, Ross (McAneny 77), Gallacher, Jacynta (Robertson 64), Chance, Clark, Kerner, Hayes (Otto 86), Flint (Fergusson 86), Menglu (Bowie 77).
Subs not used: Mengyu, Cusack, Goldie, Ferns.
RANGERS: Fife, Docherty, McLauchlan, Hill, Davison, Middag (Maclean 64), Hay (Cornet 55), Howat, Arnot (Watson 55), Danielsson, Kerr (McLeary 55).
Subs not used: Cunningham, Bell, Cavanagh, Martinez, Nolf.