Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Thu 2 April 2026 21:40, UK

Leanne Crichton admitted Rangers Women were “not at their best” despite picking up a vital three points in their 1-0 win over Partick Thistle.

The Gers returned to winning ways in the SWPL on Wednesday, following their recent cup final disappointment, with Kim Shin Ji’s first-half strike making the difference on the night.

It was a performance that lacked fluency at times, but one that ultimately delivered a crucial result for the title race, just three days after Rangers’ cup final defeat to rivals Glasgow City.

For boss Crichton, the performance fell short when compared to expectations, but she admitted that the outcome was favourable, with a big clash against Celtic coming up.

Leanne Crichton makes honest Rangers admission after ‘vital’ win

Speaking after the result, which keeps Rangers two points behind league leaders Glasgow City, Crichton admitted that the performance did not reach the levels expected.

“It was definitely not our best night, I think I can be honest enough to say that,” she told Rangers‘ club media.

The Gers boss would point to the physical and emotional toll of recent fixtures, particularly following the cup final defeat at Fir Park.

“Coming off the back of the weekend and the disappointment, the frustration… It’s taken its toll over the last couple of weeks, and the magnitude of the games and the effort from everybody involved.

“We are really pleased that we have still come away with three points, a clean sheet and a really important three points when you look at the split and how tightly contested it is,” added Crichton.

Having lost to Hearts just over two weeks ago, it is incredibly tight at the top of the standings, with the Jambos splitting Glasgow City and the Gers in second.

Rangers are preparing to take on Celtic on Easter Monday, with their arch rivals sitting just a place and two points behind going into the bank holiday weekend.

Rangers turn focus to crucial Old Firm that could decide title

Three points were the only goal for Rangers on Wednesday, and Crichton’s side were able to pick those up, recovering from the cup final loss just days prior.

With six matches remaining, the top of the standings remain incredibly tight, with just four points separating league leaders Glasgow City and Celtic in fourth.

Looking ahead to Monday’s Old Firm bout, Crichton said: “It is the Old Firm, so you are pretty ready and good to go as is. You just need to speak about that fixture, and everybody has got the tails up.”

The set of midweek results has blown the race wide open once again, with Hearts also in the running for the title, while Rangers have the chance to potentially push Celtic out of the race entirely by inflicting a second successive defeat.

The Gers are in a strong position, but Crichton is determined to keep her squad grounded as they prepare for the final weeks of the season.

“We are in a good spot,” she said. “But we can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. We are just looking up the table and trying to keep on the coattails of the teams that are leading.”

Rangers face their rivals for the first of two clashes from here until the season’s end, with the Old Firm pair going head-to-head a week before the final day clash against Glasgow City.

From here, Crichton’s side will be looking to set themselves up for a successful end to the season.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.