CELTIC almost went top of the SWPL for the first time this season when they beat Glasgow Women 7-0 at the Excelsior. Leaders Rangers toiled to a 1-0 win over Hibernian, and even with the three points had their goal difference advantage reduced to one.
Glasgow City, who beat Hamilton 6-0 at New Douglas Park, also have maximum points from the opening seven games, and remain third.
A brilliantly struck Tessel Middag free kick just after the hour separated the sides at Meadowbank Stadium. Hibs squandered a good chance to equalise in time added on when substitute Nor Mustafa was through on Jenna Fife, but the Rangers goalkeeper made the save.
Two first half goals for Lucy Ashworth-Clifford set Celtic on their way, and there were five more after the interval from Taylor Otto, Caitlin Hayes, Jacynta, Natalie Ross and Clarissa Larisey. The losing side, who remain without a point, had Shelley Campbell sent off for a second yellow card offence when the score was 4-0.
Glasgow City winger Lauren Davidson scored a hat-trick of penalties in the win over Hamilton at New Douglas Park. Priscilla Chinchilla, Kinga Kozak and Abbi Grant, with her 50thgoal for the club, were the other scorers.
Hearts beat Aberdeen 3-0 at Oriam. The Edinburgh side stay in fourth place thanks to goals from a trialist, Vyan Sampson and Ciara Grant.
As in the Glasgow City game, penalties played a big part in Motherwell's 2-2 draw with fifth place Spartans at K Park. The visitors looked to be heading for a win after Becky Galbraith and Kat Smart put them 2-0 up at half time, but two spot kicks, both converted by Kaela McDonald-Nguah, meant a share of the points.
Partick Thistle moved up four places to sixth with their second win of the season thanks to a goal from Cara Henderson at Petershill Park. Dundee Utd squandered the chance to equalise when Dani McGinley hit the post with yet another penalty near the end.
