THREE of Scotland’s squad for Friday’s friendly against Romania at Falkirk Stadium made big contributions as Glasgow City beat Rangers 5-0 to keep the pressure on Hibernian at the top of the SWPL1, write Alan Campbell.

Hayley Lauder set up two very early goals on her 27th birthday, Leanne Ross got the next two from free kicks, and Leanne Crichton smashed in a terrific fifth in injury time. More worryingly, Scotland midfielder Jo Love stayed on the bench because of a calf injury.

The win put City back on top of the table – but only until Hibs beat Hamilton 3-0 at the SuperSeal Stadium to remain two points ahead, having played a game more.

Performance of the day was from Celtic, who won 7-0 at Aberdeen, while Stirling University beat Spartans 1-0.

“I felt we were right on it today and the attack-minded players were excellent,” City head coach Scott Booth said.

“If you can score goals early it takes the wind out of the opposition, but at 2-0 you still think you need the next one – and that’s the chat we had at half-time.”

Rangers’ midfielder Lisa Swanson was sent off near the end following a second yellow card, this time for a foul on Ross. “She made contact with the ball before she made contact with the player,” Rangers head coach Amy McDonald said. “The angle her foot goes in at gives the referee a difficult decision – I would need to watch it again.”

The visitors did well to keep the score down after brilliant play by Lauder set up goals for Abbi Grant and Noelle Murray with just four minutes on the clock. Goalkeeper Jordan Eliot and her team-mates refused to crumble and the third didn’t arrive until seven minutes into the second half when Ross’s first free kick deflected off the Rangers wall.

Rachael Small gave Hibs the lead at Hamilton before adding the second, with Lia Tweedie making sure of the three points four minutes from the end.

Celtic ran riot against an Aberdeen side which has taken just two points from nine games, with Ruesha Littlejohn, Suzanne Mulvey (2), Kirsty Howat (2), Jaclyn Poucel and Natalie Ross.

Stirling University jumped above Spartans into fourth thanks to Rachel Donaldson.