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Montrose denied fairytale top split finish by late Partick winner

Rangers 2-0 Montrose

By Gethin Thurlow for Impetus at Broadwood stadium (23/2/26)

Above: Lauren Perry claims a cross from Rangers in the swirling rain of Cumbernauld. Photo: @amyphotography_22 on Instagram.

Montrose missed out on what would have been an incredible achievement of reaching the top six and getting into the top split of the SWPL for the first time thanks to a late goal from Partick Thistle in another game.

Montrose did enough – losing only 2-0 to high flying Rangers, which would have seen them through in sixth on goals scored if Partick drew with Hamilton, but Thistle struck in injury time to grab that spot themselves.

The Teams

There were some big calls up front for both managers. Leanne Crichton dropped SWPL top scorer Katie Wilkinson, Mia McAulay coming in for the English star. This allowed Laura Berry – who’s scored 2 hatricks in a row, to take up her preferred position in the middle. With McAulay and Brookshire on the wing, Rangers would have more width than with Berry on the right, although right back Eilidh Austin has been incredible in taking up that attacking burden recently.

Craig Feroz meanwhile made the massive call to bench star striker Kaela McDonald Nguah, and club captain Jade Mclaren from the midfield. Looking to hold this Rangers attack, Montrose went with a back five, and two holding midfielders in front of them. Talitha Robb as an attacking midfielder in behind Sophia Martin and Hannah Innes made up the attacking structure of Montrose.

The Action

This was a much more even start than Rangers usually have against the bottom five sides. Montrose weren’t sitting back in a low block, they were winning the ball back in midfield and looking to play the attackers in. The high press also had some success, earning a number of early attacking throw-ins and a corner for the ‘Mighty Mo’.

On the ball, it was a struggle for Rangers to break down their opponents, particularly when they were in structure. Trying to use the pace of their front four, lots of balls went in over the top, but not much came from them. Montrose’s defensive seven stayed well disciplined and rarely gave up any space for the technical hosts to work some magic. The first shot of the game was an off-balance volley, outside the box from McAulay, who sliced the effort high and wide.

After the team won a free kick on the halfway line, Montrose captain Cassie Cowper played a quick clever ball to find Phoebe Murray open on the left hand side. She played it to wingback Demi Taylor, who put a sumptuous ball into the box. Here was the danger though for the away team. Out of position, a quick Rangers ball up the left exposed them May Cruft turned inside and found McAulay, who get inside her defender and unleashed a left footed shot past Lauren Perry in goal.

The goal didn’t really alter the course of the match. Montrose stayed strong when they held a structure, and had some limited options of their own going forward when they did win that ball back.

Laura Berry should’ve made it 2-0 on the half hour mark. She picked up the ball in the box, sending two defenders sliding to the four with some skill, but she tried to be too perfect and that final touch carried into the grateful arms of Perry. Goalkeeper Perry probably had less to do than she’d have expected in the first half, making another strong save from the boot of McAulay – who was getting everywhere today.

As the second half got going it was clear that Rangers were stepping it up a gear, they started to really pressure Montrose’s backline. Laura Berry was played in through on goal, but was only able to sting the hands of Perry. There was two more shots hit wide by Berry it what was a difficult afternoon bearing that main striker responsibility.

She did however find that second goal after Katie Wilkinson replaced Callie Brookshire and Berry was moved back out to the right. A delightful ball from Quinty Sabajo once again saw Berry in behind the defence, she managed to tuck it under an incoming Perry and put just enough power on the strike that when Georgia Carter slid in to stop the ball crossing the line she could only push it in, colliding with the post herself.

Knowing that 2-0 was the very last possible scoreline Montrose could afford to give up assuming the other game ended in a draw, there was an incredibly nervous 20 minutes where they didn’t quite know whether to attack to bring that goal difference down to one or even try and get a result, or just sit back to protect the 2-0 as it was. Striker Kaela McDonald-Nguah was brought on pretty much straight after that goal and unfortunately for her it was the time in the match Montrose really offered nothing on the ball.

Bar a long range shot from Kim Shin-Ji which flew over the bar however, Craig Feroz’s team gave up nothing to the Glasgow side. As the final whistle sounded, it was a waiting game for Montrose and time to celebrate for Leanne Crichton, as Celtic’s defeat over Hearts meant they entered the split in second place, five points below Glasgow City.

About 10 minutes after the game had ended, Partick Thistle scored a late winner, through Celtic’s own Sienna McGoldrick, who had just signed for Thistle on loan that very morning. The gaggle of Montrose fans that had made the long journey down despaired as their dream season was taken away in the blink of an eye.

Player of the Match Lauren Perry

It was a strange game. Rangers had control, but never looked too threatening to Montrose. It was far away from a vintage Rangers performance like the two we’ve seen the last two weeks. The gap between the sides in performance was still worth more than the two goal margin – which would’ve been a top-split achieving margin without that late Partick winner, and Lauren Perry in goal had a lot to do with letting only two goals in.

She commanded her box well, something she has done in recent months against other top teams – conceding one each to Hibernian and Celtic. There was also a number of show-reel saves that Perry pulled off, providing frustration to McAulay and Berry in particular. As Montrose prepare for a fierce battle with Aberdeen and Motherwell to avoid the relegation playoff ninth position, the games are going to be tight and keeping clean sheets crucial to picking up points, they will want to see more of the same from Perry.

What slowed Rangers down

The Rangers of 2026 has looked like the team to beat in Scotland since the turn of the year, brushing past opponents with ease and stepping up the game against the top sides too. Having lost to Hibs and Glasgow City first time round, they took four points from those teams in January and beat Celtic for a third time already this season in the league cup semi’s.

On this day however, the same could not be said for the Glasgow residents. With the introduction of winger Mia McAulay into the side for striker Katie Wilkinson, it seemed like Rangers would be symtretical on the wings once more. However, McAulay seemed to be playing the same role as Berry – sitting inside a little on the left sided centre back rather than staying wide, allowing Eilidh Austin to take up that role as she has been.

Whilst this had brought out the best in striker Berry, it didn’t quite work for McAulay. Rangers had less passing lanes with a very narrow front five for Montrose and as such Scotland’s own didn’t get ball to feet as much as she would like. She got into great areas and was unlucky to score, but this system certainly didn’t give us the best of McAulay.

When Brookshire, who continues to star down that left wing departed for Wilkinson, pushing Berry into that right hand side and McAulay in her preferred left winger position, the game opened up a bit more for Rangers and Berry ultimately had enough chances to get that third consecutive hatrick. An interesting one to ponder for Crichton, fitting in the fantatsic Brookshire and McAulay, while Berry and Wilkinson continue to lead the league for goalscoring.

What bottom split means for Montrose

A combination of two games that Montrose will want back and a turn around in form from Partick Thistle saw them lose out on that spot which absolutely no one believed they could get when we kicked off in August. The damage was done last gameweek as Partick defeated the Mo 2-1. They knew that losing by two goals or less and hoping for at least a draw in the other game was the most they could expect on Sunday and it so nearly happened.

However, after an international break Montrose have to come back, pick themselves up and fight for the rest of the season. With two games each against the other bottom split teams – Motherwell, Aberdeen and Hamilton Accies, they have to avoid ninth place and that playoff against an SWPL2 side. They currently sit four points above Motherwell and Aberdeen, with the Accies a further nine away after picking up just two draws all season. Montrose have looked a cut above the rest of these teams so far, but a couple of close results against them and the fight is well and truly on.

TEAMS: RANGERS (4-2-3-1): Fife, Austin, Eddie, Rafferty, Docherty (c), McLeary, Cruft, McAulay, Lafaix, Brookshire, Berry. Substitutes: Wilkinson (for Brookshire 61′), Shin-Ji (for McLeary 61′), Sabajo (for Lafaix 65′), Hay (for McAulay 65′), Boyce (for Eddie 81′), Kelly, Pegram, Black.

Scorers: 1-0 McAulay 18′, 2-0 Berry 73′.

MONTROSE (5-2-1-2): Perry, Murray, Ross, Cowper (c), Glover, Taylor, Brown, Robertson, Robb, Innes, Martin. Substitutes: Carter (for Murray 56′), Guthrie (for Innes 56′), Elliot (for Gover 74′), McDonald-Nguah (for Brown 74′), Milne, Mclaren, Henderson.

Referee: Lauren Whitehead

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Asian Cup Preview: Uzbekistan

Above: The Uzbekistan Women’s National Team lines up. Image: AFC.

The Uzbekistan Women’s National Team is making their long awaited return to the Asian Cup. From their first year as an official team in 1995 to 2003, they played in every Asian Cup group stage, but then they fell off the map.

In 2018, Uzbekistan found success in tournament football for the first time, winning the inaugural Central Asian Championship. They went on to retain their title in 2022.They are also prepared to host the 2029 Women’s Asian Cup, becoming the first central Asian to do so.

They will compete in Group B against China, Bangladesh, and North Korea.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Maftuna Jonimqulova (Sevinch), Kumushoy Gulomova (Sogdiana), Zarina Saidova (Bunyodkor)

Defenders: Maftuna Shoyimova (Sevinch), Kamila Zaripova (Trabzonspor), Madina Khikmatova (Qizilqum), Ugiloy Kuchkorava (Sevinch), Leyla Oraniyaova (OKMK), Laylo Tilovova (Sogdiana), Dilrabo Asadova (Zvezda 2005)

Midfielders: Umida Zoirova (Sevinch), Ilvina Ablyakimova (Bunyodkor), Zarina Mamatkarimova (Sevinch), Asalkhon Aminjanova (OKMK), Feruza Turdiboeva (OKMK), Diyora Bakhtiyarova (Bunyodkor), Gulzoda Amirova (Sevinch), Kholida Dadaboeva (Bunyodkor), Shodiya Tosheva (Sevinch), Soliha Husniddinova (Kocaeli Bayan)

Forwards: Nilufar Kudratova (Sevinch), Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva (Trabzonspor), Lyudmila Karachik (Sevinch), Dildora Nozimova (Metallurg Bekabad), Ominakhon Valikhanova (Lokomotiv)

Head Coach:

**Above:** Kotryna Kulbytė coaches on the sidelines. **Image:** LinkedIn.

In charge since January 2025, Kotryna Kulbytė has already done great work to restore Uzbekistan’s place on the Asian stage. The Lithuanian has experience at multiple levels, including as a boys youth coach and with the Lithuanian U-15 and U-17 women’s teams. She was also the head coach of FK Vilnius from 2020-2022 and as an assistant for the Lithuanian senior national team. She has her UEFA PRO-level license and works in coaching education as a UEFA instructor for B and C licenses.

Asian Cup History:

Uzbekistan will be making a long-awaited return to the continental stage, having failed to qualify since 2003. The team made 6 appearances in the earlier years of the Asian Cup, playing in every group stage from 1995 to 2003.

How They Qualified:

Uzbekistan qualified as the winners of qualification Group F in dramatic fashion. Ending the stage level on points and goal difference, Uzbekistan and Nepal had their fate decided with a penalty shootout, Uzbekistan winning 4-2. Previous to their 3-3 draw with Nepal, they recorded a 10-0 win over Sri Lanka and a 7-0 win over Laos.

Strengths:

Uzbekistan have been doing quite well since Kulbytė took over, recovering after a rough start and going on to get good results against some fellow Asian Cup teams. The defensive qualities have been on display, not conceding a single goal in their eight victories in 2025. They only conceded in their losses and draws. Impressive results include a 2-2 draw against the Philippines, two 1-0 wins over India, and two victories of Iran. Uzbekistan also posts a lot of high scores.

Development Areas:

The next level for Uzbekistan is upping their game management skill. Against Nepal in qualification, Uzbekistan scored two early goals but allowed the game to result in a 3-3 draw and result in a close penalty shootout. They need to control matches and keep the upper hand when they get it.

Key Players:

**Above:** Lyudmila Karachik on the ball for Uzbekistan. **Image:** AFC.

Lyudmila Karachik is Uzbekistan’s top scorer with 38 goals in just 30 recorded appearances. She has been a part of the national team since 2011. She plays for Sevinch in the Uzbekistan Women’s Championship. The 31-year old forward has been the face of the national team for years, starting her impressive scoring form in 2018 and sticking with it ever since.

Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva is one of few players who plays outside of Uzbekistan, playing for Trabzonspor FC in Turkiye. She reportedly has 43 goals in 37 appearances for Uzbekistan. The 26-year old is in the prime of her career and will be crucial in leading Uzbekistan on their positive trajectory.

Maftuna Shoimova is a 27-year old player who can play in midfield and defense, her versatility adding to Uzbekistan’s growing defensive capabilities. Even listed as a defender, she has 12 goals in her 34 appearances. She plays for Sevinch in Uzbekistan, alongside many of her international teammates.

One to Watch:

One of the youngest players — and one of the most prolific scorers — in the Uzbekistan squad is Asalkhon Aminjanova. The young midfielder has 10 goals in 10 appearances. This Asian Cup could be a real breakout for the 18-year old. She plays for OKMK in Uzbekistan.

Success Would Be:

Winning a game and scoring a few goals would go a long way for Uzbekistan’s confidence. In their return to major tournament football, they will not be expected to advance beyond the group stage. Getting a point or three would be successful.

Prediction:

A group stage exit seems most likely for Uzbekistan, but they could get a result.

Fixtures:

3rd March — North Korea vs Uzbekistan, 1pm, Western Sydney Stadium

6th March — Uzbekistan vs China, 7pm, Western Sydney Stadium

9th March — Bangladesh vs Uzbekistan, 5pm, Perth Rectangular Stadium

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Adelaide jump to third after silencing Brisbane’s Roar

Brisbane Roar 0-2 Adelaide United

By Emma Burke 22/2/26

Above: Adelaide United players have every reason to celebrate tonight after picking up an important win over Brisbane . Photo: via the A-Leagues.

Adelaide United have picked up all three points against Brisbane Roar, handily dispatching the home side 2-0 thanks to goals from defenders Emily Hodgson and Ella Tonkin.

Irish international Erin Healy set the stage for the opening goal of the game when she twisted and turned her way around her defender in Josie Studer, to then cut the call across the face of goal.

Waiting for her in the box was Hodgson who had made an impressive run down the entire pitch to be perfectly positioned for a tap-in from Healy.

Brisbane had a huge chance to level the playing field through their Dutch star Bente Jansen when she sent two defenders tracking her to the shops in the box, leaving her open against Ilona Melegh in goals.

The ball seemed to get caught under Jansen’s feet as she turned, and instead of taking a shot she chose to lay it off to an arriving Daisy Brown whose shot ended up deflected away.

Adelaide had a slew of chances throughout the rest of the first half, with most coming from Healy and Fiona Worts, but each one was dealt with by Roar keeper Chloe Linocln.

The second half saw Adelaide remain firmly in control of the game, pushing to find a second goal and create a situation too difficult for Brisbane to work their way out of.

United succeeded in this endeavour when substitute Lara Gooch came on for her third appearance of the season, marking her return from injury.

Gooch had an opportunity on goal that she initially shot directly at Lincoln, her second effort slipped under the keeper, but a last ditch effort from Angie Beard saw the ball out for a corner kick.

The resulting corner gave Adelaide their second goal of the night, with Dylan Holmes’ delivery finding the head of Tonkin at the far post.

This result sees Adelaide now jump up to third on the table, while Brisbane have dropped down into eighth to close out Round 18, the last before the break for the Women’s Asian Cup.

Teams: BRISBANE ROAR (5-4-1): Lincoln, Seidl, Beard, Studer, Medwin, Meyers, Hayashi, Woods, Miller, Jansen, Brown Substitutes: Kruger, Kinsella, Stephenson, Franco, Piazza, Cuthbert

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Melegh, Tolland, McNamara, Tonkin, E. Hodgson, Morgan, M. Taranto, Condon, A. Taranto, Healy, Worts Substitutes: Jenkins, Murray, Zois, Holmes, Dawber, Gooch

Scorers: 11’ E. Hodgson, 79’ Tonkin

Referee: Sophie Allum.

Attendance: TBC.

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Hannah Reynolds: WA youngster overcoming major challenges to reach for the stars

EXCLUSIVE by Ben Gilby (23/2/26)

Above: Hannah Reynolds (7 – front row, second left) with the Australian Schoolgirls squad that toured the UK in January. Photo supplied by: Kate Reynolds.

Western Australian starlet Hannah Reynolds’ selection for the All Australian Schoolgirls’ tour of the UK last month came as rich reward for overcoming the major challenge of a diagnosis with scoliosis. The youngster has worked hard to overcome the hurdles and is going into a new NPLW WA season with Fremantle City after being a key part that unbeaten UK touring side.

“When I got diagnosed with scoliosis at just 11 years old, shortly after breaking my back, it seemed bigger than I could begin to comprehend,” Reynolds told me.

“I had no knowledge of what it was and what that could mean for my future sporting
career, though supporting hands from Bodyworks Scoliosis clinic guided me to be the strongest version of myself.

“With Lisa Zorzi creating a brace that would correct my curve to ensure it would not get more severe as I grew and to ensure my physical and mental health was nurtured during such a massive life change at such a young age.

“At age 12, I wore the brace 22 hours a day for the first year, taking it off only to train and shower. The difficulties of this was something I never imagined. I continued to perform and do what ever was possible to ensure my scoliosis was cared for, at the end of the day I knew what had to be done and I did it.

“After three years I had gone through three different braces and began to slowly ween out of it from 22 hours to 20 to 18 etc until I only wore it at night time for another six months and finally graduated from it.

**Above:** Hannah Reynolds breaks away. **Photo supplied by:** Kate Reynolds.

“The mental challenge of knowing you weren’t like everyone else and knowing that as an athlete you had to be that much more careful of your spine was the hardest challenge. The physical pain from my spine changing its shape and having to go to training and show up at my 100% was a barrier I began to break time and time again.

“I am so grateful to have gone through something so challenging at such a young age and to realise how strong female athletes can be.”

Hannah Reynolds.

“Now at age 17, officially two years out of the brace, my scoliosis is managed and I can continue to play soccer at a high consistent level.”

Reynolds footballing journey started alongside her twin brother at the age of four at Joey soccer at UWA. She then takes up the story.

“We both then went to Subiaco but I was also doing a lot of Little Athletics and Acro so wasn’t too serious about it. I broke my back when I was 10 so things started to change. I gave up Acro and started to concentrate more on my football which I was really enjoying.

“I had a couple of seasons at UWA and Floreat before being selected in the NTC program when I was 13. I remained with the NTC until 2025, having participated at a state level at NTC for several years and also the State School Girls team.

“Being part of the NTC really helped develop my game, improved my tactical understanding and taught me how to compete under pressure against experienced players. Training with players like Grace Johnston, Tanika Lala, and Georgia Cassidy teaches you very quickly how fast and physical the game is but it also gives you something to strive toward and the desire to continually improve.

“This obstacle was made achievable with the constant motivation from my coach Sam. Being around people who are likeminded, positive and are driven with common goals has allowed me to thrive in challenging situations like this.

**Above:** Hannah Reynolds in action for Fremantle City last season. **Photo supplied by:** Kate Reynolds.

“Last year I made the move to Fremantle City in the NPLW WA and am now in my second year with the club. I am loving the challenge of playing and training with experienced and older players.”

Reynolds then received the ultimate honour of being selected in the Australian Schoolgirls squad for their tour of the UK in January this year. It provided memories from both on and off the pitch that will last a lifetime.

“The selection was based on our performance at the National School Sport Australia Championships in Brisbane last year. I was one of three WA girls selected along with Lacey Heys and Klaudia Houlis. The team landed in the UK as the country began to be gripped by the only spell of cold weather that it has experienced in their winter this time round, with the climate being very wet but mild on either side of the team’s time there.

“Touring the UK in winter was definitely an experience! Our first game was cancelled as there was too much snow and ice on the pitch. All our games were at night so it was even colder. We made sure we all warmed up well to avoid any injuries. But I think we all adapted quite quickly.

“The toughest aspect of the trip was being put with girls I had never met or played with before. Being put in situations where I need to quickly adapt to new people and new environments has allowed me to create a voice for myself in this game.

“Despite this being an obstacle at the beginning of the trip, it was something so easy to overcome. The girls, atmosphere and opportunities that was given to me allowed me to challenge myself and excel in new settings with new girls.

Making friends on and off the pitch is always a highlight. And not just with the other Australian girls but with the girls on the other teams. Sight seeing and also being able to do a bit of shopping was also cool.”

When Reynolds returned to Western Australia, attention quickly turned to preparations for the new NPLW WA season at Fremantle City.

**Above:** Hannah Reynolds (7) in action for the Australian Schoolgirls side against Wrexham in North Wales last month. **Photo supplied by:** Kate Reynolds.

After missing out on the Top Four Cup in 2025, the port city side are determined to push for success this time round.

“Pre-season has gone well so far and undoubtedly looking better than last season, the energy and desire to win and be better than last season is incredibly high. Although we have a few injuries among the team, we are still blessed with amazing U21s who are confident to step up and perform at a first team standard.

“Hopes for the team are to maintain in the top four spot throughout the season and out do our past season. We are a strong group of girls who without a doubt can achieve what we set and I am so excited to see what happens this season.

“As for my personal goals, I would love to find myself feeling comfortable within the central defensive midfield role as I will play the majority of the season there and placing myself in scoring opportunities to help our team succeed and get my confidence flourishing.”

There’s lots to be excited about beyond this year for Reynolds as she has her sites firmly set on spending more time overseas to develop her craft as a footballer.

“My main goal for this year, and the next few years, is to head over to the USA to study and play college football in September. To do that I need to continue training hard and maximising game time here so I keep learning and developing as a player. By the time I finish, I will be around 24 so maybe look to go professional either in the US or back home in Australia at that point.”

With all the determination in the world and a huge amount of ability, Hannah Reynolds has all the tools in the bag to make it.

(c) Impetus 2026.

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Asian Cup Preview: China

Above: The Chinese Women’s National Team lines up for a team photo. Image: People China.

By Genevieve Henry (22/2/26).

The Chinese Women’s National Team — The Steel Roses — are the most titled team in the history of the Asian Cup. Although they won the 2022 edition, they may not be in quite as good of a position. Falling in their most recent friendlies in dramatic fashion to England and Scotland, China haven’t had a fantastic string of results as of late. But one thing that should give the Steel Roses confidence is they tied both Japan and South Korea in the summer of 2025, proving they can handle two of their greatest competitors.

With most players plying their trade domestically, their lack of international variation could be a detriment against teams like Japan and Australia. Competing in Group B with North Korea, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan, China will have a good test before likely advancing on in the tournament. The Steel Roses are the best team in Asia historically — can they continue this legacy?