RANGERS are named Park’s Motor Group SWPL 1 2021/22 Champions for the first time in club history after a 0-0 draw against Glasgow City this afternoon at the Rangers Training Centre.
After goalless draw this afternoon at Auchenhowie, Malky Thomson’s side have made history after being named league champions for the first time ever.
It was a historic afternoon at Rangers Training Centre for the Light Blues as they looked to continue their unbeaten run in the league campaign and lift the SWPL 1 trophy.
Following last weekend’s victory over Motherwell, the squad welcomed a sold-out crowd to a sunny Auchenhowie on what was a glorious day for everyone at the club.
Jane Ross and Brogan Hay came into the starting XI with Megan Bell and Kayla McCoy on the bench.
That meant Rangers started with Jenna Fife in goal and a back four of Demi Vance, Brianna Westrup, Chantelle Swaby and Nicola Docherty.
Tessel Middag, Kirsten Reilly and Sam Kerr were in midfield with Lizzie Arnot and Brogan Hay supporting striker Jane Ross.
As expected, the game started with intensity straight from the referee’s first whistle as both teams looked to gain the early dominance.
The Gers did well to maintain some early possession and it wasn’t long before Chantelle Swaby delivered a fantastic through ball to Jane Ross from deep within her own half. Ross looked to advance to towards the goal, but a defender was able to intercept and clear the Rangers danger.
Just a few moments later on 6 minutes, Sam Kerr had the first real opportunity on goal after collecting the ball on the edge of the City box. She sent a low and powerful effort towards the goal, but Alexander was able to safely collect her strike.
This early Rangers effort seemed to motivate City with Lauren Davidson making a run down the right flank before sending a low delivery across the face of goal to meet Priscilla Chinchilla. She sent a ferocious strike towards goal; but Fife made a superb save to deny City’s efforts.
Both sides continued to battle it across the pitch to gain the opening goal of the first 45, the Light Blues carried a surge of energy towards Alexander in goal, but the backline did well to defuse any threats created.
On 26 minutes, Demi Vance made a superb run down the left side to advance past the defending line, she delivered a great ball to the back post to connect with the head of Ross who sent the ball just over the bar.
City continued to create dangerous pressure at the Gers backline, but Fife made some crucial consecutive saves to keep the score line as it was.
Shortly after, Brogan Hay crossed a threatening ball into the City box to link-up with Vance, but her header was sent over the crossbar.
On 31 minutes, Davidson made a great run from the halfway line into the Rangers box, she managed to find some space to cut the ball to Peyton Preya at the back post. The visitor slotted it past Fife, but the flag was raised for offside.
Into the second half, the Gers looked to carry momentum heading into the last 45 with intent to open the scoring and attain the lead.
With City needing the win to stay in contention for the title, they continued an attacking threat in the Rangers final third, but Fife and the defensive backline remained calm and composed to prevent a City goal.
Thomson’s side carried fantastic pace towards Alexander in goal, Hay made some excellent runs down the right side to pressurise the backline. She made some important crosses to try and link-up with Kayla McCoy up front, but the ball was intercepted and cleared.
On 50 minutes, Rangers nearly sneaked the lead after a Demi Vance corner was cleared off the line.
Rangers did well to maintain possession and find space to work their way through the City half, but their efforts were broken down by the defence.
Sub Emma Watson made a superb run down the right side to challenge and break past the defender, she cut the ball at the front to McCoy in front of the goal, but she was just unable to connect with the switch.
In the closing minutes, it was Rangers who looked the hungrier of the two sides as they held City high into their own half. Yet, after a strong 90 minutes, Rangers were crowned champions after the referee’s final whistle of the match.
RANGERS: Fife, Docherty, Vance, Middag (Cornet, 46), Hay, (Watson, 77) Reilly, Ross (McCoy, 46), Arnot (Howat,92), Kerr (Grant, 94), Westrup, Swaby.
UNUSED SUBS: Cunningham, Jensen.
GLASGOW CITY: Alexander, Lauder, Walsh, Fulton, Shine (Farrelly,75), Clark, Davidson, Molin, Chinchilla, Preya (Fulutudilu, 29), Foley.
UNUSED SUBS: Clachers, Kats, Grant, Dodds, Noble.