It was a meeting of the last two unbeaten sides in the SWPL at Ibrox this afternoon, as Rangers Women's side welcomed Glasgow City for a top-of-the-table showdown.
Victory would have sent Rangers clear at the summit, while Leanne Ross’s side knew three points could take them above both Old Firm rivals. Adding extra spice, it was Leanne Crichton’s first match against her old club since swapping her assistant role at City for the manager’s seat at Ibrox in the summer.
Rangers looked sharp in the early stages, though it was City who forced the first big opening. Abigail Harrison broke through one-on-one, but Jenna Fife stood tall to produce two brilliant saves in quick succession. Gers hit straight back on the counter, with Mia McAuley racing through at the other end, only to be denied by Lee Gibson.
The Light Blues kept pressing and almost broke the deadlock just before the interval, Lizzie Arnot’s effort forcing Gibson into another diving stop. Chances were otherwise scarce, with both sides battling for control in midfield as the half ended goalless.
After the restart, Rangers again looked most likely. Top scorer Katie Wilkinson connected with a half volley inside the box just after the hour, but Gibson was there yet again to frustrate the home side. With 15 minutes to go, Shin Ji-Kim had a glorious opportunity from a Nicola Docherty cross but blazed over from 12 yards.
City made Rangers pay for those missed chances late on. With just five minutes remaining, a deep free kick was flicked on and fell to Nicole Kozlova, who volleyed home at the back post to snatch all three points.
Despite a late push, Gers couldn’t carve out the equaliser, Wilkinson coming closest, as their unbeaten start to the season came to an end.
The defeat sees Rangers slip to third behind City and Celtic, while Ross’s side remain perfect with six wins from six and a game in hand. Rangers will look to bounce back next weekend in the SWPL Cup against SWPL 2 outfit St Johnstone – the perfect chance to reset and rebuild momentum.