Rangers Women: Leanne Crichton issues scathing verdict despite vital win v Hibernian in title race
Rangers boss Leanne Crichton believes the 1-0 win over Hibernian was a “poor advert” for the women’s game, and she wasn’t criticising the players.
Following Rangers’ damaging defeat to Scottish Women’s Premier League title rivals Hearts on Friday, the Gers could afford no further slip-ups for Hibernian’s visit to Broadwood Stadium on Wednesday.
Crichton’s team were far from their best, but in the end, Katie Wilkinson’s first-half penalty was enough to secure all three points.
Defending champions Hibs have now been deposed, with leaders Hearts 12 points ahead of them with three rounds of the post-split fixtures to go.
Rangers’ win took them to within four points of Hearts and up to second in the table, ahead of Glasgow City on goal difference.
After the match, Crichton revealed she was relieved but not best pleased by what she saw.
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‘Poor advert for the women’s game’
After Hearts’ 3-0 win over Partick Thistle on Tuesday, Rangers simply had to emerge victorious against Hibernian.
The league title is still out of Rangers’ hands, but at least they gave Hearts something to think about on Wednesday.
| Rangers’ remaining league fixtures | |
| Partick Thistle vs Rangers | 10 May |
| Rangers vs Celtic | 17 May |
| Glasgow City vs Rangers | 24 May |
But in terms of a spectacle, Crichton did not mince her words. She seemed to suggest the officiating was not up to scratch, while praising her players for their mental toughness.
She told Rangers media: “It is a massive three points, just really pleased that we have managed to see it through. Not an enjoyable game of football if I am being perfectly honest, certain bits of the quality that I didn’t enjoy.
“Just a really poor advert, I think, for the women’s game if I am being honest, and I am not speaking about the players. I thought both players went at it hammer and tongs to fight for three points, and fortunately for us, we are the team that came out with the three points.
“I think they have absolutely shown that in abundance tonight. Horrible game of football, not easy on the eye, but they managed to come away with three points, and for that I am absolutely delighted.”
Crichton added that this was the most unpredictable game she has seen in her entire career and that it was “really cruel” for the players not to know which decision would come next, in another apparent dig at the officials.
Rangers get mixed injury news
Rangers Women are set to take a break from league action when they lock horns with Montrose in the Scottish Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
The Gers received a boost after Kathy Hill made her first start since February after recovering from injury.
However, Laura Rafferty had to be replaced after just 15 minutes against Hibernian, as Jodi McLeary replaced her at right-back.
Rangers’ loss to Hearts could have led to a downward spiral, but they are not out of the title race and the Scottish Cup represents a big opportunity, too.
Similar to the men, now it is all about winning every game between now and the end of the season.
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