SWPL: Hearts beat Celtic to close in on top two, wins for Hibs, Motherwell & Aberdeen

Hearts moved to within a point of second place by inflicting defending champions Celtic’s first SWPL defeat of the season.

Maria McAneny’s deflection carried Kayla Jardine’s shot past goalkeeper Kesley Daugherty to give the hosts a first-half lead.

Both sides carved chances in the second half but one goal proved to be enough to take Eva Olid’s side a point below Glasgow City and two off leaders Rangers. Celtic, who have a game in hand, are six points off top spot.

Eilidh Adams scored a hat-trick as Hibernian beat Spartans 4-0. Penalties bookended Adams’ treble, with her second coming from open play and Michaela McAlonie scoring Hibs’ third of the day. They are fourth, two points off Edinburgh rivals Hearts.

Motherwell complete the current top-six line-up after a comfortable 4-1 defeat of bottom side Dundee United. Laura Berry opened for Well but Amy Robertson levelled. Louisa Boyes put the hosts back in front and a Megan Burns own goal made it 3-1.

United had Abbie Cusack sent off for a professional foul in the second half and Berry got her second and Motherwell’s fourth.

At Links Park, Montrose led Partick Thistle through Neve Guthrie’s goal before Carla Boyce brought the visitors level to secure a 1-1 draw.

First-half finishes by captain Hannah Stewart and Emily Kraft put Aberdeen in control against Queen’s Park, who could not recover.

On Saturday, leaders Rangers came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 at home to Glasgow City and stay top of the division. Rio Hardy netted for Rangers after Emily Whelan’s opener for City.