Rangers remain on course for a historic SWPL title this season after a 2-1 win over Spartans at Auchenhowie kept them one point behind leaders Glasgow City but with two games in hand.
The Gers made four changes from the win over Hamilton last weekend as they recorded their eighteenth win from 19 league games.
Jenna Fife, Chantelle Swaby, Ciara Grant and Zoe Ness all came back into the starting XI with Megan Cunningham, Janni Arnth, Sam Kerr and Kayla McCoy dropping down to the bench.
Rangers tried to get an early advantage and take control of proceedings, Ness and Grant both having efforts at goal but it was the visitors who took the lead just after the half-hour mark.
The Gers early dominance ended up counting for nothing when Rebecca Galbraith drove inside from the left flank before firing low into the net; her effort taking a slight deflection on the way.
The lead wouldn’t last long though, Rangers getting back on level terms before the break, captain Brianna Westrup heading home Demi Vance’s free-kick right at the end of the half.
After going behind, Rangers came out for the second 45 looking to get themselves in front for the first time in the game and took control of the early stages; Westrup, Vance and Ness all having chances to make it 2-1.
The goal didn’t seem to be coming as Rangers continued to flood forward in numbers before a double change sawSam Kerr and Kayla McCoy introduced in place of Zoe Ness and Megan Bell for the final 25 minutes.
Spartans’ Alicia Yates would come to the rescue several times for her side, making important saves to deny Rangers a second but, with ten minutes to go, the second goal finally arrived for the hosts.
Some excellent play by Brogan Hay saw her drive for the line before her cross was rifled home by Tess Middag from inside the area.
It was nothing Rangers didn’t deserve as the Gers eye ending Glasgow City’s long dominance of the domestic woman’s game in Scotland.
With the SWPL moving to join the SPFL next season and coming under the same umbrella as the mens’ sides for the first time, going into the new set-up as the champions would be the perfect way to kick off a new era.
Rangers men’s team continue to fight on three fronts this season and kept their title hopes alive with a late 2-1 victory over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.