SWPL football returns after a five-week summer break this afternoon, with Celtic’s home game against Hibernian in the top division ensuring the second half of the season will hit the ground running.
Was the break too long? There are arguments to be made on both sides after no games were played from June 26. My understanding is that Scottish Women’s Football will meet managers and coaches to discuss what is best for future seasons.
With the players presumably fully refreshed, there is all to play for in the 10 rounds of SWPL1 fixtures which remain. Glasgow City lead with 30 points from their 11 games, but Hibs are just two points behind and have a better goal difference.
The teams play each other twice more in the league – in a fortnight and in the penultimate round of games on October 23.
As they have been for almost all of the last nine seasons, City are in the driving seat – but arguably the momentum is with Hibs, who loosened the Glasgow’s club’s stranglehold on domestic football by winning the SWPL Cup last month.
Hibs have lost attacking midfielder Heather Richards (below) to today’s opponents Celtic, but Chris Roberts has plenty of options among his front four and the Scotland internationalist didn’t start in the cup final. The loss of Richards is offset by the arrival of Aberdeen captain Rachael Small, who has the potential to strengthen both the defence and midfield.
Small, who has moved south to Edinburgh following her engagement to Hibs player Martin Boyle, played 28 times for Scotland between 2010 and 2013. Still just 24, her move could trigger a return to international football – with national coach Anna Signeul last night confirming that the door is still open to the player, who won her caps as a full-back.
Hibs must win at the K Park this afternoon to keep the pressure on City, who on paper appear to have a straightforward home assignment against a Forfar Farmington side who have won just two of their opening 11 league games.
Republic of Ireland internationalist Ruesha Littlejohn has left City, but her compatriot Keeva Keenan, a defender who plays for the national under-19 side, has been signed following a successful trial against Aberdeen in the last game before the break.
Scott Booth has also recruited former United States youth international Haley Rosen. She is an attacking midfielder also comfortable as a striker – and the champions will be hoping Rosen is more effective in that department than their previous American signing, Morgan Marlborough.
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