Rangers salvaged their Scottish Women’s Premier League title defence with a narrow Old Firm win against Celtic.<\/span><\/p>\n Kirsty Howat’s powerful strike after the hour decided a closely-fought contest.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The victory means third-place Rangers are now only behind their rivals on goal difference, and both trail leaders Glasgow City by five points.<\/span><\/p>\n With four games left and both halves of the Old Firm still to face City, the league is set for an exciting finale.<\/span><\/p>\n That’s why defending champions Rangers desperately needed victory against their rivals, who they had failed to beat in three attempts this season.<\/span><\/p>\n Malky Thomson’s side had the better of the first half but were fortunate to go in at the break level, as Caitlin Hayes’ header was harshly ruled out for a nudge by Natasha Flint on Rangers goalkeeper Victoria Esson.<\/span><\/p>\n The champions had tested Pamela Tajonar by half-time, in particular when Rachel McLauchlan’s long-range drive was pushed onto the bar by the Celtic keeper, but it took something special to break the deadlock when play resumed.<\/span><\/p>\n Howat smashed a powerful shot in off the post after neat build-up by Rangers, who then had to withstand Celtic pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n Kelly Clark had the best chance to snatch a draw when Claire O’Riordan’s flicked header was pushed into her path by Esson, but the captain’s effort from four yards struck the outside of a post.<\/span><\/p>\n Rangers have struggled with conceding late goals this season, but held firm for a crucial win as they aim to build on their maiden title win last season.<\/span><\/p>\n Celtic are still in the hunt for their first title and a Champions League spot and host Glasgow City at Celtic Park on Thursday, while Rangers also host City on the final day of the season.<\/span><\/p>\n Celtic manager Fran Alonso <\/strong>on Sky Sports:<\/span>“Extremely frustrated. We scored a legal goal in the first half. We are fighting for our lives – it’s in our hands to win the league, and then it’s an awful decision.<\/span><\/p>\n “We controlled the game, but they have quality and they punished us. Congratulations to them, but the [disallowed goal] affected the game in a massive way. No-one knows why [it was disallowed]; It cannot happen.”<\/span><\/p>\n Rangers manager Malky Thomson <\/strong>on Sky Sports: “We spoke before the game about the importance of the three points. We’d have left ourselves a mountain to climb [if we hadn’t won]. The girls were so composed to see that game out, which we’ve not done in previous games.”<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"SWPL](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/onesport\/cps\/624\/cpsprodpb\/17B60\/production\/_129602179_-de5979ba-c10d-42fa-a79b-21eaed991e21.png\")
<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n‘It’s an awful decision’ – reaction<\/h3>\n