Scottish Women's Football

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta has been speaking to BBC Scotland as Scotland prepare for Saturday night's World Cup qualifier against Belgium.

Here are the key points:

• After leaving it late for a 1-1 draw at home earlier in the week, Andreatta knows "it's a massive challenge" on Saturday, adding "we're going to be asked to give even more in this second game."

• But Andreatta stresses "we'll be ready for it because we've done our homework on them and think we'll be even better than the first game."

• It was a dominant display from the Scots but it took an injury-time equaliser from Kathleen McGovern to secure a point but the Australian insists "the way we finished the game gave us even more confidence and belief in what we're doing and what we want to be doing across 90 minutes".

• The Australian insists the burden of qualification for a World Cup "doesn't exist within this group," and the "mix of experience and energy that's created this perfect storm of power, confidence, strength, bravery that is going to move us forward."

• She adds that there is no talk about the end goal of World Cup qualification and focus is on "the processes" to be in the "best position to earn the right" to be there.

• She says that a sense of "purpose" has been a key development in the squad since she took charge just over a year ago, and adds, "they never stop no matter the situation that they face."

• Team news: Emma Lawton has not travelled as a result of an ankle injury picked up in the draw with Belgium. Kirsty Hanson is back in the squad fully fit.

Image source, SNS

Scotland defender Emma Lawton will miss Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Belgium through injury.

The 24-year-old was forced early in the second half of the 1-1 draw against the Belgians at Easter Road on Tuesday night and hasn't travelled with the squad for the away game.

Melissa Andreatta's side are top of their World Cup qualifying group, joint on points with Belgium but with a superior goal difference, after three games.

After facing Belgium at the weekend the Scots will take on Israel in June.

Samuel Ukah
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Scotland striker Kathleen McGovern says playing at Easter Road on Tuesday night "felt like home" as she scored an injury-time equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against Belgium in their World Cup qualifier.

The Hibs forward is one of the younger players in Melissa Andreatta's squad and wasn't part of the Scotland squad who narrowly missed out on the Euros in 2025, failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup nor was she in the squad as Scotland finished bottom of their group at the 2019 World Cup.

"We kind of don't have that baggage, because we've not had the disappointment for not qualifying," the 23-year-old said.

"I've actually spoken to a lot of the young players, and they kind of feel the same in that sense that we come in relaxed and just want to do the best for our country."

McGovern's leveller on Tuesday night, her sixth goal in seven senior Scotland caps, came after a dominant display from Andreatta's side who failed to convert numerous chances.

The point means Scotland head to Belgium top of the group on goal difference and with a chance to create a gap at the top before the final two games of the first qualifying round.

"Obviously to score for my country every time I score, it's an amazing moment for me and my family," she added.

"But I'm frustrated with myself because I had quite a lot of chances, but delighted to get our team back in it, and we'll take the point.

"It was in the back of my mind, coming to Easter Road. It felt like home, I even texted my gaffer at Hibs to say that it just felt like home, coming back.

"And I think we're unlucky not to come away with three points, to be honest, because I felt that we dominated the game.

"I think it's just the small margins and games, and if we tidy that up, then there's no doubt that we can get three points when we go away."

Samuel Ukah
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta felt her side got what they deserved in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw with Belgium in their third World Cup qualifier.

Kathleen McGovern's late equaliser kept the Scots' chances of finishing top of the group alive. Andreatta's side are joint on points with Belgium after three games but are top thanks to a superior goal difference.

And the Scotland head coach feels the equaliser was nothing more than her side deserved after a tenacious display.

"I think Scottish folk and our culture is resilient," Andreatta said.

"We don't step back from a challenge. We never stop. That's what I've learned about being here in this great country, and they're reconnecting to that part of their identity and I love it.

"This team has so much potential, and I think anything's possible. Together with their high standards, they'll want to build on what we've seen at the end of that game. I feel like its another step forward, positive and confident.

"We have players playing in top clubs and top leagues that are working hard daily on their craft.

"They'll be pleased with some parts of the game, but they're so humble and hard working and know what it takes to compete with the best."

Scotland had 13 shots throughout the game at Easter Road, compared to Belgium's 11, and enjoyed almost 60% possession but found themselves a goal behind after 15 minutes and remained that way for almost 80 further minutes.

"That goal sort of came against the run of play, we felt," the Australian said.

"The final third is the most challenging area of the park to to be creative and clinical.

"They didn't lose belief, they didn't lose sight of the game plan or their tasks and they were rewarded for it."

Hibs striker McGovern saved the day after numerous missed Scotland chances for her sixth goal in seven Scotland appearances when she scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

"I'm happy with McGovern's performance, very happy", Andreatta said.

"It's the toughest part of the game to be clinical, and we share that responsibility across the team.

"She'll want to lead by example for the team and do all that she can and more.

"But she's also young and young on her journey with this national team, so I'm quite happy with where she's at.

"We share the load with finishing too. So it's not just on McGovern to convert our chances. There's other players too that had chances, and they'll want to contribute more as well."

Image source, SNS

Scotland striker Kathleen McGovern: "You can see in the reaction it's a crucial point and we're still in it [winning the group].

"We'll go to Belgium and give it everything.

"I'm a bit frustrated with myself. I had so many chances, but I got the girls back in it, and I can't be too hard on myself. I just believed I was going to get it at the back post, and it was a tap-in really.

"I felt we were on top for the full game. I think we're frustrated not to get three points."

Image source, SNS

Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta: "It's a good point.

"We know what a top opposition they are. To put it in performance like that when we've gone down, and got frustrated when you haven't put chances away, they stayed in it and what a show for the fans who turned out tonight.

"I really believe in this group, and you see it in the spirit, the actions on the field, and what you don't see is what they're doing off the field in camp and training.

"They're ultimate professionals, and I'm just privileged to work with them.

"It's just that next step, and I think that's going to come, it's inevitable."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Easter Road

Image source, SNS

Announced on 9 April 2025, Melissa Andreatta hit her one-year anniversary as Scotland head coach last week.

There's been four wins, two draws and two defeats. A new captain, a fair few new faces and a new-found feel-good factor around the squad.

The Australian has immersed herself - and her family - in the country and culture and she still sports the same big smile she did when she was announced as Pedro Martinez Losa's successor.

But how would Andreatta sum up her year with Scotland?

"Positive growth," the head coach said on the eve of her side's World Cup qualifier against Belgium at Easter Road.

"I think I've grown alongside the players and the staff. I think we're bringing the best out of each other - a match made in heaven, I'd say.

"That's what's really nice about it is I think we're all in a position where we're comfortable being uncomfortable and being ourselves, too.

"There's just so many things I could talk about that highlights that, but the number one thing is everyone coming together, talking about football, different ideas, hearing each other and sharing different perspectives, whether it's on the field or off the field.

"It's just a great environment to be in. I know there's more work to do as well and that's the exciting thing, the potential of this team and how much growth there's been, but how much more there is to go.

"They have such high standards for themselves that it's a privilege to work with when you're a coach.

"But I have to say I also feel a combination of pride and a privilege to represent this great nation - so I'm feeling pretty grateful right now."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Easter Road

Image source, SNS

Head coach Melissa Andreatta has been addressing the media before Scotland face Belgium in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday at Easter Road.

Here are the key points she made:

• Andreatta is "500% sure" Scotland will end their wait for a return to a major tournament under her management and would "rather aim high and people know that".

• The head coach insists her players "believe even more than I do" that they'll make the 2027 World Cup and/or Euro 2029 - "they're 501% sure".

• On the back of the news football is now the number one sport among girls and women in Scotland, Andreatta expressed her "pride and thanks" to those before her but stresses "it's our responsibility to shape that and move forward with it".

• Looking to the double-header against Belgium, the Australian says the Scots will "take it one game at a time".

• "Everyone is looking good" for the game at Easter Road after an extended, "positive" camp.

Image source, SNS

Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta is confident of leading her team to their first World Cup since 2019 as they continue their qualification campaign with a double header against Belgium later this month.

The Scots won their first two games against Luxembourg - a 5-0 win in the away leg before a 7-0 victory at home.

Finish in the top three in their group and Scotland will progress to the play-offs, if they win the group they'll claim a higher seeding for the play-offs in the race to reach Brazil 2027.

"I think it's innate in me and who I am that I really believe anything is possible," Andreatta told BBC Women's Football Weekly podcast.

"It's not only about wanting to win but willing to do whatever it takes to win, that's a bit different.

"Everyone wants to win but not everybody is willing to put in the extra yards and the extra hours - this group is. When you know you've done all the work I see it as exciting, as an opportunity to showcase what we've done behind the scenes and light it up.

"Pressure is with us always but it's about learning from it and developing the skills to thrive with it. We talk about it, we recreate scenarios in training and all those experiences together is going to help us to be ready and to shine when it really counts."

After each side won their opening two qualifiers, Scotland and Belgium meet on 14 and 18 April in Group B4 both on six points.

The Scots are at home in the first game and away for the second before a double header against Israel in the summer.

"I think we're ready," Andreatta added.

"It's just going to be fine tuning things and remaining focused on us and what our strengths are to get the result that we want after the two games.

"I'm quite familiar with playing the same team back to back in a window and the opportunity that it gives us is to really consolidate our game plan, continue to strengthen the cohesion among the players and their positions.

"I just see it as a real opportunity to be even better from game to game."

Image source, SNS

Scotland are treating their Women's World Cup qualifying double-headers like play-offs, says defender Jenna Clark.

After each side won their opening two qualifiers, Scotland and Belgium meet on 14 and 18 April in Group B4. The Scots are at home in the first game and away for the second.

In June, Scotland play Israel home and away while Belgium meet Luxembourg twice. The top three sides in the section progress to the play-offs.

"It's what a play-off would be and that's how we're treating all these games in this campaign," said Liverpool's Clark, 24.

"It definitely brings a different element - one we probably weren't used to before but I think it's important that we do get used to it because it could be crucial for us.

"We know the level of the teams in this group. It will be a challenging game but one we'll be prepared for."

Reaching next year's finals in Brazil and bringing "that kind of joy to the fans" is a big incentive for Scotland, says Jenna Clark.

Clark referenced the men's team's 4-2 win over Denmark in November, which sealed qualification to this year's World Cup in North America and Mexico.

"You can see how much that meant to the full nation and I was watching the game myself," Clark said.

"It was a great game. If we can bring that kind of joy to the fans as well then that would be massive for us."

Image source, SNS

Katie Wilkinson was delighted her hat-trick helped "send the girls off to the international break with a smile on their faces" following Rangers' 3-0 win away to derby rivals Celtic.

The victory lifts the striker's side above Glasgow City into second place in the Scottish Women's Premier League, just one point behind surprise leaders Hearts.

With five games to go, the pressure is mounting at the top of the table and Wilkinson told BBC Alba: "I love it. That's what we play for."

Her second goal came from a superb curling free-kick.

"After training, every day I am trying free-kicks in and around the box and it's just nice to see it pay off," the 31-year-old said.

Despite boosting her own goals tally, Wilkinson said the most important thing was: "First and foremost a massive three points.

"I thought the performance was excellent. We went in 2-0 up, which was important, and saw the game out the way we did and then got that third goal to make sure those three points were in the bag."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Rachel Johnstone (Hearts): Had the difficult job of coming on at half-time on Sunday night against Glasgow City, but put in a sturdy display with a couple of superb saves to deny Leanne Ross' side in the second half and help Hearts to a huge win.

Eilidh Austin (Rangers): Another impressive performance under the belt for the teenager. Shifted into the centre of defence for Monday's Old Firm - having excelled at full-back - but neither the position nor the occasion fazed her.

Danique Ypema (Hearts): Nicked Georgia Timms shooting boots? A simply sensational goal which proved to be the historic match-winner as Eva Olid's side beat City for the first time, while moving to the top of the table.

Demi Falconer (Partick Thistle): The leader in a strong Thistle back line. Gary Holt's side more than deserved their first split point following narrow defeats to Celtic and Rangers. Falconer, as ever, played a key role in preserving the clean sheet.

Sophie Townsley (Motherwell): Two assists inside one minute as Motherwell hit Hamilton Accies for four in the Lanarkshire derby, which also signalled Accies relegation.

May Cruft (Rangers): An outrageous talent at 16. Ran the show - again - against Celtic, who just couldn't get near her. Earned the penalty too, but it's her overall composure and control which catches the eye. Rangers will be doing well to keep hold of the youngster over the summer.

Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City): On the losing side, but looked the most lively for Leanne Ross' side. Had a couple of half-chances she would have liked to have done better with and was denied what her boss called a "stonewall penalty".

Demi Taylor (Montrose): Five minutes to go, Montrose 1-0 down. Taylor saw to that, setting up Sophia Martin for the equaliser before slamming in a 96th-minute winner to all-but secure the Mo's SWPL safety.

Brogan Hay (Rangers): Back-to-back starts show a real step in the Scotland international's recovery from a long-term layoff with injury. Set up Rangers' opening goal with a nice pick-out.

Millie Boughton (Motherwell): Back-to-back braces for on-loan Hibs youngster Boughton, who is showing signs of a promising future. Curled one in straight from the corner before teeing up Jenna Penman for the Steelwoman's fourth.

Katie Wilkinson (Rangers): Another hat-trick for a frankly ridiculous goal-machine. A deep header, a fantastic free-kick and a ferocious penalty secured a pivotal three points for Leanne Crichton's side, who move just one point behind leaders Hearts.

Image source, SNS

Head coach Grant Scott insists Celtic are not out of the Scottish title race despite "getting what we deserved" in a 3-0 home defeat by city rivals Rangers.

Rangers move above long-time Scottish Women's Premier League leaders Glasgow City, one point behind Heart of Midlothian, with Celtic six adrift of the Edinburgh outfit.

"There's plenty to play for," Scott told Celtic on X. "Nothing's won or lost today.

"You are seeing teams dropping points all over the place. So we need to get back on it.

"There's five games to go. You just need to put a good run together and you'll have a very good chance, but we're certainly making it very difficult for ourselves at the moment."

Scott conceded that Rangers deserved their victory and blamed "very big errors" from his own side.

"We've never got at the pace of the game," he told BBC Scotland. "We never got close to Rangers.

"They managed to dominate us and that's very disappointing.

"Very difficult one for us to take. I think we've let ourselves down badly today with that performance.

"We've probably got what we deserved today. We weren't at the level of the game at all for whatever reason and that's for us to unpick now."

Image source, SNS

Leanne Crichton paid tribute to her Rangers side for a dominant 3-0 derby win away to Celtic despite having to field "a makeshift backline".

"If you look at players who have come in and having played a lot of minutes - Eilidh Austin has played excellently well at full-back all season and played at centre-back for us today," the head coach told BBC Alba.

"Jodi McLeary, whose been excellent in the middle of the pitch, goes back into full-back. I know she's done that at points this season, but there were bits of the puzzle we were having to put together to make sure we got it right."

A victory thanks to hat-trick from striker Katie Wilkinson pushes Rangers above Glasgow City into second spot in the Scottish Women's Premier League.

"It helps the moments of quality at the top of the pitch," Crichton said. "The moments of pressure Katie has dealt with so well this season."

The head coach also praised midfielder May Cruft - and not just for earning the penalty from which Wilkinson completed her hat-trick.

"Sixteen but runs the show in the middle of the pitch and the number of fouls she had to bounce back up from today," Crichton said.

"Teams are all over her, but she's handling it so, so well."

However, Crichton thought "everyone was a nine out of 10 today" in Hamilton.

"We've had to put in a real shift to get the job done," she said. "Even at 2-0, it is a dangerous scoreline and Celtic have players who can hurt you and get them back in the game.

"What we wanted from us today was a really controlled performance and I think we got that."

Rangers have won twice in the league after losing the Sky Sports Cup final to City.

"Disappointed with the cup defeat - we were involved in three competitions up until that final and we feel we still have a bit more to give and we look forward to the next five games," Crichton added.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

There could be a new SWPL leader come Sunday evening as top two Glasgow City and Hearts go head to head.

City have been at the summit since the end of September when they beat Rangers to replace them as leaders.

Before the split, Leanne Ross' side hadn't lost a single game but in the four matches since they have only won one and suffered back-to-back defeats to Rangers and reigning champions Hibernian.

It took Hearts a few games to get going this season and after defeat in their opener, they only lost five of their next 20.

It was almost two years ago that Hearts picked up their first-ever victory over one of the 'big three' when they beat Rangers 1-0. Since then they've defeated Celtic three times. The one team they've never managed to beat though? Yup, Glasgow City.

If they are to set that record straight, this weekend would be the perfect time to do it. Secure the three points and Hearts will go top with five games remaining.

They'll need to be wary of the two Glasgow sides below them though. If Hearts lose on Sunday, Rangers can go above them with a derby victory over Celtic on Monday night.

If Celtic win Monday's Old Firm clash, they'll be a point above Rangers.

With the top four separated by just four points, there are permutations galore - but if Hearts can get to job done at Petershill on Sunday evening they'll be in the box seat for the title.