THE SWPL programme resumes tomorrow following a five-week summer break, with all to play for in the top two divisions.
The game of the day is at the K Park in East Kilbride, where third-placed Celtic entertain Hibernian, who are second. Champions Glasgow City host Forfar Farmington at the Excelsior.
With just 10 games remaining, City have a slender two-point advantage over Hibs and for the first time in many years their goal difference is inferior to their nearest rivals. The title seems to rest between the two clubs as Celtic trail the leaders by nine points.
All three pacesetters have brought in new players and lost others in July. In the case of Heather Richards, who has four Scotland caps, her competitive debut will be for her new club, Celtic, against her old one today. The 22-year-old is, in fact, returning to Celtic having left them along with three other players to join Hibs prior to the 2015 season.
Richards’ recruitment has been timely for Celtic, who lost captain Chloe Craig at the end of last month – she has moved to the United States – and Scotland attacking midfielder Christie Murray to FA WSL1 side Doncaster Rovers Belles.
Hibs have made a highly-significant signing of their own in Rachael Small, who was the Aberdeen captain until her move south. The defender, who also plays in midfield, represented Scotland 28 times between 2010-13 and her move to Edinburgh – she is engaged to Hibs player Martin Boyle – could reignite her international career.
Glasgow City welcome two new faces, one from the Republic of Ireland and the other from the United States. However, Irish internationalist Ruesha Littlejohn has also left the club.
The incoming players are defender Keeva Keenan, an under-19 Ireland player. She is joined by Haley Rosen, like Littlejohn an attacking player, whose last club was Washington Spirit Reserves.
City should be given a tough game by Forfar who, despite improved results, are in danger of being relegated. The other team in that category, Stirling University, host Spartans.
There is a tough baptism for Aberdeen’s new coaching team, led by Stefan Laird, as they travel to New Benburb Park to play Rangers.
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