Rangers manager Jo Potter is hoping that Celtic find it tough to cope with battling in the Champions League and managing a demanding SWPL schedule at the same time.
Speaking after her side emerged from a tough top-of-the-table clash with Glasgow City that keeps them unbeaten and at the top of the table by a point, Potter accepted that Celtic’s European exploits come give her side a chance to open up a cushion in the league.
Defending champions Celtic are currently six points Rangers and five behind City with Elena Sadiku’s side facing Hearts tomorrow afternoon, a game that comes after their defeat to FC Twente on Tuesday night and immediately before their trip to face Madrid in Spain this week.
“It is a difficult place to be,” said Potter. “Even if you have the squad depth, it is tough mentally to take those challenges and move on quickly. I have played in the latter end of that competition and you can see what it can do for you so it is an important time for us.
“It is why we didn’t lose that game today because these next few weeks could be pivotal.
“It is a tough one for Celtic because you want to be in that position and reaching those stages but it can have a toll on your season. That is down to them but I am hoping it does as much damage to them as possible!”
Leanne Ross’ side started well at Ibrox and were well worth their 15th minute opener that came courtesy of Emily Whelan.
She was the beneficiary after Brenna Lovera had pulled the Rangers defence all over the place with Kathy Hill’s challenge eventually sending the ball into the Whelan.
City could and should have had more to show for their first-half showing with Gers keeper Jenna Fife denying Lovera on the cusp of the half-time interval.
Potter inevitably rang the changes in the second period with Rio Hardy coming off the bench to level things after Katie Wilkinson had done well to set up her fellow forward.
Rangers had the better chances in the second half but City held firm, although Potter also felt that Rangers should have had a late penalty after Charlie Devlin appeared to have been tripped just inside the box.
“I watched it back and it is an absolute penalty,” said Potter. “You seem them given week in, week out. There is an attempt to make the ball. You can see there is contact. Is there enough contact? Only Charlie will know that.
“If we can’t see that then I don’t know how the ref can tell that. But there is a definite attempt to play the ball and a dangling of the leg. We have definitely had penalties given against us for a lot less.”
City were excellent in the opening period with the impression across the opening weeks of this campaign that their changes on and off the pitch this summer will make them definite title challengers.
“I was pleased with how we came and performed and we deserved to go away with at least the point that we got,” said Ross.
“We need to respect the team we were playing. We know the qualities they have and we knew it would be difficult coming here so we set up to be secure and know our jobs.
“We are up there challenging.”
d at Ibrox this afternoon. ad Our App!
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