Scottish Women's Football

Image source, SWPL

Hearts striker Georgia Timms has been named the SWPL player of the month for November.

The English forward netted six goals in four games, including a double in the 3-2 win over Rangers.

The 27-year-old also scored in Hearts' defeat to Edinburgh rivals Hibernian in the League Cup quarter-final, and recorded a hat-trick and two assists in the 8-1 win over Hamilton.

Her side sit second in the SWPL table, four points off leaders Glasgow City and three clear of Rangers.

Timms has also already equalled her best goalscoring season, with 10 goals so far this term.

Image source, SNS

The 2026-27 SWPL season will start on 16 August 2026, the league body has confirmed.

The SWPL and SWPL 2 will pause for a winter break after fixtures played on 20 December 2026 and resume on 10 January 2027.

Both divisions will split after round 18 on 21 February and the league season will end on 23 May 2027, with play-off finals set for 28 and 29 May.

The SWPL Cup league phase will run from 26 July to 9 August 2026.

Play-offs will ensue before the quarter-finals in early November 2026, semi-finals in January 2027 and the final on the weekend of 27/28 March.

Image source, SNS

Scotland goalscorer Kirsty Howat: “Delighted to obviously get my first start and then to top it off with two goals, it couldn't get much better… Could’ve had three though, which I'm raging about, but yeah, happy with the two.

“I just remember going and pressing, the pitch wasn't obviously the best, so I just thought, go and try and press and win it. Then I just hit it and managed to dink her at the back post.

“Then for the second, I didn't really fancy taking that run, so I just thought, here we go, hit it and just happy to see it hit the back of the net.

“My mum and dad are always usually here, but it’s just my dad tonight. He’ll be buzzing. He's so proud and he always tells me that.

“For him to be here tonight and to witness it firsthand is really special. I gave him a little thumbs up when I scored as well, which was nice.”

Scotland goalscorer Kirsty Hanson: “It was important to get the win. We were under the cosh at the end, so it was obviously quite disappointing to concede two goals, but so happy to get the win with different goals.

“Against Ukraine, we had loads of chances, it’s about being more clinical when we’re on top, punishing teams even more. You could see that at the start of the game, but we just need to keep it up.

“It’s a positive that we kept the win tonight because I think in the past we might have crumbled.

“We just need to keep building and hopefully that’s a really big win for us and something to build on.”

On her goal: “Kirsty Howat and I just said to enjoy it tonight, relax and score.

“I think she just laid it in the path perfectly for me, I was like, ‘I need to finish this off because she's done all the hard work’’. So, delighted it paid off.”

The Scottish FA is exploring plans to turn Lesser Hampden into a shared stadium for Celtic, Rangers and Glasgow City's women's teams, creating a hub to accelerate the growth of the game ahead of Scotland co-hosting the 2035 Women's World Cup. (The National), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Estadio Municipal de Chapin

Image source, SNS

Midfielder Caroline Weir missed Scotland's victory against China after picking up a knock.

The Real Madrid star followed an "individual programme in the gym" during a part of the squad's training session on Monday, when head coach Melissa Andreatta reported "everyone is available".

But the 30-year-old watched the Scots sign off 2025 with a victory from the stands alongside goalkeeper Sandy MacIver.

"She had a knock, we had a couple of opportunities to see if she could go, but we decided the game was too soon and called it," Andreatta told BBC Scotland post-match.

"It was close, it's always close. We just made the call and she was in the stands."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta told BBC Scotland: "We started fast and maximised the chances we created, then the momentum sort of swung towards China.

"But I think we regrouped towards the latter stages of the half and talked about a few things at half-time. We started the second half strongly, had a penalty and poor Kirsty [Howat] going for a third missed it.

"If we get that the pressure sort of releases a little bit, but then they go and score. That makes it super interesting, which is Scottish apparently.

"What we did was show really good character. The way we defended was excellent to deny them chances from all those crosses. Looking ahead, that's what you're going to need in tight games and tournament football."

On Erin Cuthbert, who was taken off on a stretcher and in a neck brace late in the game: "It happened so fast. I just saw a collision and then everyone saw what happened from there.

"She's off to hospital now. We'll just wait to hear for updates."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Jerez, Spain

Image source, SNS

Sophie Howard says Scotland are "finally developing a belief" they should be on the biggest international stage as they enter their final friendly before World Cup qualification begins.

The Scots face China - who were scudded 8-0 by England on Friday - in Spain on Tuesday night looking to secure just their second win of 2025.

And while Howard admits a win "would be great" to sign off the year, she thinks the performance is more important.

"I think we're finally developing a belief that we should be there," the Como defender told BBC Scotland.

"We're a very humble squad and that's why we get on so, so well, but it's about time that we believe, not only in one another, because I think we've always done that - we've believed in one another more than ourselves.

"Signing off with a win would be great, but more important is a performance.

"We've spoke often this week, and before, about finding a way to win, because I believe potentially sometimes that's what we've been missing a little bit."

Scotland's sole win of the year came away to Morocco in October. A friendly defeat to Switzerland in a seven-goal thriller and Friday's last-gasp draw with Ukraine followed after the Scots picked up just one point in their Nations League A campaign earlier this year.

The squad will meet up again in February to kick off their quest for an appearance at the 2027 World Cup with Group B4 matches against Belgium, Israel and Luxembourg.

"I almost don't want to put too much pressure on us, we need to go out and perform really well," Howard added of tonight's game against China.

"If things go against us and we don't get that result, that doesn't mean we're not ready.

"We just need to use this game as a chance to be as prepared as we can for what's coming."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland in Jerez, Spain

Image source, PA Media

Melissa Andreatta insists "belief is growing" amongst her squad as Scotland prepare for their final match of the year against China on Tuesday.

The friendly will fall just a day short of the one year anniversary of that night in Helsinki where the Scots failed to qualify for Euro 2025.

It was a result and outcome that devastated the side and one which took them time to recover from.

Under Michael McArdle's interim reign before her, and the five games she has taken charge of, though, Andreatta has seen a fresh and reenergised group.

"I think belief comes through relentless effort and exposure to different experiences," the head coach told BBC Scotland at the team's hotel in Jerez.

"We had that even against Ukraine where we had so much of the ball and were really dominant for most of the game, but just couldn't get that goal that we wanted.

"But, we never stopped and you get belief from situations like that - even when you don't get the win - by knowing you can create chances and take them.

"I think those moments where we come through the other side and experience the pressure, allows the belief to grow both individually and as a collective, and I definitely think the belief is growing amongst the team, and that we'll see plenty of that out there tomorrow night."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Estadio Municipal de Chapin

Image source, SNS

When the whistle blew at the Estadio Municipal de Chapin on Friday afternoon, the draw with Ukraine felt like a Scotland win, such was their last-minute equaliser.

Maria McAneny's finish, with virtually the last kick of the ball, buoyed the Scots who were below par in Jerez.

But one fine performer, was Rachel McLauchlan, who appears to have a new lease of life in a Scotland shirt under Melissa Andreatta.

The Brighton and Hove Albion full-back was flipped in and out of the starting line-up by previous head coach Pedro Martinez Losa, but already appears to have found a fan in Andreatta. And it's reciprocated.

"She's filling the squad with a lot of positivity and belief," McLauchlan told BBC Scotland.

"I feel confident playing under her and I'm really enjoying having her as manager right now.

"I'm just enjoying moments with the girls on the pitch, and that will keep that smile on my face."

McLauchlan's afternoon of work was up by the time the debutant crashed in the equaliser and was just a couple seats down from Andreatta when the Aussie screamed "we never stop" as the celebrations ensued.

"We want to look at that going forward, that we don't give up," she added.

"We give absolutely everything to the last minute and I think we proved that, obviously it's good to get the goal and the draw.

"I think there's lots of things we can take from it and learn from it.

"We need to start figuring out how to win these games going forward, but it's another building block and we'll look forward to the next game."

Image source, Scottish FA

Celtic midfielder Maria McAneny savoured the "amazing feeling" of marking her Scotland debut with a last-gasp equaliser against Ukraine in Spain.

"I'm buzzing to even get called up in the first place, it's a privilege," said the 21-year-old McAneny.

"Even getting on is a privilege. To score is the bonus, honestly. I'm so happy. Unbelievable. Getting the call-up, I was over the moon to come here.

"One thing I said to myself that I want to take away, is to learn something. Even just to get on. I have no words. It's an amazing feeling.

"The girls are lovely. They've been so welcoming. All the staff have been so welcoming. It couldn't have been easier.

"[Celtic team-mate] Emma [Lawton] said just to go and enjoy it, just to take it all in.

"You always learn. The detail is insane. That's the one thing they definitely said, just go and enjoy it. Just be you."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

"I want to see more of that dynamic, athletic, pacey, powerful, technical midfielder Maz is."

It's fair to say Melissa Andreatta is a fan of Maria McAneny.

The Celtic midfielder is enjoying her first Scotland senior squad involvement after being promoted from the Under-23s for friendlies against Ukraine and China and the head coach has challenged the 21-year-old to just be herself.

McAneny has had a fine start to the domestic league season for Elena Sadiku's side and impressed for Scotland Under-23s last month.

"More of the same what she's doing for the under-23s and for her club but at a higher level," the Australian told BBC Scotland.

"It's faster, it's more intense, there's less space and time and that's going to also take time.

"I've spoken about that before when an emerging player is coming to the squad, that you give them the time to thrive and to flourish and we really invest in supporting the players to do that.

"Showing them our playbook before they arrive again so that it's not so unfamiliar to them. Hopefully that helps them - and in this case, Maz - to adapt along with the group being so warm and welcoming as they are.

"I want to see more of that dynamic, athletic, pacey, powerful midfielder or even when she's positioned wider for Celtic that we see Maz bring to a game and she's super technical too.

"In the recent derby, from the left, she was swinging in some beautiful final passes with her non-dominant foot, so I think that balance of technique and athleticism is very interesting to look at."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Noa Schumacher (Hibs): Made some crucial saves in helping her side to a big point away to leaders Glasgow City. An important draw for Hibs as it keeps them in the title race while reducing City's lead at the top.

Louise Brown (Montrose): Crowned a superb performance with the winning goal at Aberdeen to send her side into the top-six.

Caley Gibb (Hibs): Came on just before the hour and her introduction was key. She made a couple of important blocks and set up a great chance for her side.

Scarlett Herron (Hibs): Played her part in keeping City at bay and securing a good point on the road. An assured performance from the Irish defender.

Cheryl McCulloch (Partick Thistle): Although her side lost 2-0 to Celtic, it could have been more if it wasn't for her defensive effort. The veteran cut out numerous attacks and showed all her experience at the back for Thistle.

Amy Muir (Glasgow City): Was solid at the back for City, helping to maintained their unbeaten start to the league season. Also raced forward a few times to some effect.

Jodi McLeary (Rangers): A constant threat, set up two goals to give Rangers a comfortable win at Motherwell.

Lisa Robertson (Celtic): Played the holding midfielder role well and provided a brilliant ball for the opener before coming close to getting on the scoresheet herself.

Maria McAneny (Celtic): A terrific touch for the new Scotland call-up's initial effort on goal and she was alert to the rebound to calmly open the scoring. Put in a shift up and down the wing all afternoon.

Laura Berry (Rangers): Showed great skill when executing her goal with a lovely turn and finish in a tight spot. Could have scored more, but her attacking intent was impressive.

Georgia Timms (Hearts): Once again a key player for her side. The striker won and netted a penalty then completed her hat-trick. Also provided two assists in an excellent afternoon's work.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Leaders Glasgow City host reigning champions Hibernian on Sunday in the final SWPL game before the international break.

Despite a late red card for City, the sides' previous meeting ended 1-1 at Meadowbank, and both teams will be desperate for all three points this time.

Hibs are currently third, two points behind Edinburgh rivals Hearts and eight adrift of City.

A win for Grant Scott's side would cut the gap to the leaders to a much less daunting five points, but the Meadowbank club head into Sunday's match off the back of a 3-1 humbling at home to Hearts.

City thrashed Montrose 6-1 in the league before suffering Europa Cup heartache with an extra-time loss to Sporting Club in Lisbon.

While City may be fatigued from the midweek exertion, they'll be boosted by their showing against one of Europe's top teams. In fact, head coach Leanne Ross said her side will "use this as motivation for the rest of the season".

Elsewhere on Sunday, Celtic are at home to Partick Thistle and Hearts host bottom side Hamilton. Rangers have a trip to Motherwell while Montrose are also on the road to face Aberdeen.

How to follow on BBC

Glasgow City v Hibernian (16:10 GMT) is live on BBC Alba. You can also watch that game and Celtic v Partick Thistle (14:00) on the BBC Sport app and website as well as iPlayer.

Match reports from all of Sunday's games will be available on the BBC Sport website and app.