Can Rangers 'thrive on the pressure' against leaders Hearts?

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Head coach Leanne Crichton has challenged Rangers to prove their SWPL title credentials by beating Hearts for the first time this season in Friday night's top-of-the-table showdown.

The Ibrox side, currently a point adrift with five post-split games remaining, can leapfrog Hearts and ascend to the summit with victory at Broadwood.

"It's a huge one and that's now off the back of the last two international breaks that Hearts will be the first side that we face," said Crichton.

"We've yet to beat them this season, that's something that we're striving for and they've been really close encounters, tough games. A draw in the first game at Ibrox and then subsequently 3-2 defeats in the other two.

"We look at those games, we've spent a lot of time, we've reflected on it, we've looked at where we are now and how we've regrouped and improved since those games because it always has been a moving part for us but it's a great opportunity for us.

"We're ready to go, you live for these moments. I want the players to thrive on that pressure and expectation from this football club."

Ranges, chasing a first SWPL title since 2022, began the 10-match post-split schedule with a defeat to Hearts and draw with Hibs before reeling off three straight wins over Glasgow City, Partick Thistle and Celtic without conceding.

"I do think form to a point goes out the window when it comes down to effectively five cup finals for all the teams that are involved, so really fine margins," added Crichton.

"But we feel we're in a good place and we're pleased with how we finished off before the international break, it was a really impressive win [beating Celtic 3-0] and one of most complete performances of the season, so again we look to try and tap into that and get back to that as quickly as we can.

"We've had such a up and down season but that's only because we're our own worst critics but I think it's put us in a good place."