Glasgow City are SWPL champions after a late winner against Rangers; Celtic were on course to win their first title until Lauren Davidson's stoppage-time goal at Ibrox; City and Celtic will play in the Champions League next season
Monday 22 May 2023 00:28, UK
Glasgow City snatched the SWPL title from Celtic with a stoppage-time goal against Rangers on a dramatic final day of the season.
In the most exciting climax to a campaign in SWPL history, all three teams were in contention for the title and the two Champions League spots.
Celtic were 2-0 up again Hearts and on course for their first title before Lauren Davidson fired in a stoppage-time winner for City at Ibrox to clinch their 16th league honour.
Celtic, who finished second and were set to claim the title on goal difference until Davidson's last-gasp intervention, will will join City in the Champions League next season.
There were record crowds at both Celtic Park and Ibrox as a dramatic SWPL season reached its finale.
More the 15,000 turned out at Parkhead hoping to witness Celtic's first ever title, a number that was a record for any women's game in Scotland.
Goals from Caitlin Hayes and Natasha Flint had them on course to clinch the trophy on account of their superior goal difference, but Davidson's injury-time goal at Ibrox saw Glasgow City reclaim the title.
It was Davidson's 31st goal of the season and by far the most important as they saw off an Old Firm challenge to take the trophy back to Petershill Park once again.
Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross told Sky Sports her players were determined to reclaim the title:
"It's unbelievable. It was obviously getting towards the end of the game and we were still pushing for that goal and for it to come and for us to win the title is just absolutely fantastic.
"This club means everything to me. I spent so much of my life here as a player and to be the manager and watch them go up and lift the trophy is something special.
"A lot of resources go into this club, a lot of investment and a lot of hard work from so many people so it was never a case that we were going to lose that winning run and just disappear off the face of the planet.
"Everybody's still had the belief that we've got great players and we can still do the business and we've done it this season."
Malky Thomson told Sky Sports his Rangers team will come back fighting:
"I'm extremely proud of the club, the players and the backing we've had all season.
"We've won one cup [Sky Sports Trophy] and we're still competing next week in the Scottish Cup and the game is going in the right direction and the girls are getting better.
"This will probably be the first time that the girls have been under that kind of pressure and dealing with that was somewhat difficult for the girls, but they've now experience that which is great.
"We'll now look to next season, we'll strengthen and we'll crack on."
An emotional Fran Alonso spoke to Sky Sports after Celtic were denied their first SWPL title:
"I have to congratulate Glasgow City for winning the game and another title for them but, for me, I'm devastated because those girls in green deserved it.
"They were outstanding this season despite the difference in finance and I'm absolutely heartbroken for them, but that's football.
"I know how difficult it is for us to win the league. We've never won it before, it's something new for us and I really wanted it but it wasn't in our hands and we couldn't deliver it.
"We want to be in Europe and I think that's where Celtic Football Club belongs. We are going to be in the Champions League and I'm sure tomorrow when I get up I'll realise that but at the moment I just feel absolutely gutted."
Sky Sports was with SWPL chief executive Fiona McIntyre as she delivered the trophy to Ibrox:
"We've certainly brought the drama.
"We were only two minutes from Celtic Park when we got the news there was a goal at Ibrox and we turned the car around.
"It's always going to be a bit cagey with nerves for the players but the late goal had just added to the excitement to what's been an incredible SWPL season.
"Congratulations to Glasgow City, it's a huge moment for them and it also secures them Champions League football."
Sky Sports - This season up to 48 cinch Premiership games will be available across Sky Sports' flagship channels, including Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, plus at least five SWPL matches. From 2024/25, up to 60 cinch Premiership will be live on Sky Sports, in addition to the SWPL.
Sky Sports News - Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Scottish football fans can enjoy Sky Sports News' (channel 409) rolling editorial coverage of the cinch Premiership and SWPL throughout the season.
Sky Sports Digital - Follow all the latest from Scottish football across skysports.com and app, including exclusive features and interviews, plus dedicated live blog coverage, in-game clips from matches live on Sky Sports and free highlights.
Sky Sports Social - Alongside coverage and visibility for the league across all Sky Sports' main social media channels, the bespoke Twitter channel @ScotlandSky will continue to be the home of all Scottish football content on Sky Sports.
Highlights show - Tune in for a dedicated round-up from the cinch Premiership every week on Sky Sports Football.
To download the Sky Sports app click here, to visit Sky Sports website click here.
Sky Sports is the home of domestic football in the UK and Ireland, with more than 400 games per season across the SPFL, SWPL, Premier League, WSL, and EFL.
