By Stephen Bark
IT was honours even in the Glasgow derby as Rangers and Glasgow City played out a goalless draw at the Rangers Training Centre in SWPL1.
Despite their best efforts and a host of first half chances, City couldn’t find the goal which would have taken the title battle to the final day.
As a result, City’s British record run of 14 consecutive league champions comes to end.
The home side created the first chance when things opened up for Sam Kerr 20 yards out but her low shot was comfortably held by Lee Alexander.
City then started to get into their stride and Lauren Davidson set up Clare Shine but her effort was well saved by Jenna Fife.
From a free-kick, the ball broke to Davidson on the edge of the box and she turned her marker before forcing another fine save from the Rangers goalie.
A City corner on 25 minutes almost resulted in the opener but Claire Walsh’s header was cleared off the line. Rangers then broke up the other end and Jane Ross headed over the bar.
Another Kerr effort from distance was well held by Alexander before Peyton Perea was subbed off with an injury for Ode Fulutudilu.
It was almost an instant impact as Hayley Lauder played through Priscilla Chinchilla who cut the ball back for Fulutudilu six yards out but she couldn’t find the net.
City then thought they had the breakthrough when Shine’s low cross found Fulutudilu free in the box but the offside flag was up.
There was still time for one more City chance in the open 45 but Shine’s effort was blocked and looped up into Fife’s arms.
Rangers came out a different team at the start of the second half after a double substitution from Malky Thomson but the best they could muster in the opening exchanges was corner which City cleared.
At the other end Lauder’s cross almost creeped in at the far post before Shine set up Davidson on the edge of the box but Fife saved well at the near post.
Half time sub Chelsea Cornet was the first to get a shot on target for Rangers after the break with an effort from distance but Alexander saved comfortably.
After a stoppage in play following an injury to Clare Shine, the game lost its flow with neither team properly able to trouble the other’s goal.
As the clock ticked 90, Demi Vance had an effort from range comfortably saved by Alexander and the match ended goaless.
Rangers: Fife; Docherty, Vance, Middag (Cornet 46), Hay (Watson 77), Reilly, Ross (McCoy 46), Arnot (Howat 90+1), Kerr (C. Grant 90+4), Westrup, Swaby. Subs not used: Cunningham, Arnth.
Glasgow City: Alexander; Lauder, Walsh, Fulton, Shine (Farrelly 75), Clark, Davidson (Kats 87), Molin (Dodds 87), Chinchilla, Perea (Fulutudilu 30), Foley. Subs not used: Clachers, A. Grant, Noble.