GLASGOW City's remarkable consistency duly brought them a ninth successive SWPL title as, needing just a point, they beat Aberdeen Ladies 3-1 at the Excelsior Stadium. Runners-up Hibs had a nine of their own to celebrate - they thrashed Rangers 9-0 at New Tinto Park.

Although Scott Booth, the City head coach, only joined the club in the summer, he knows all about nine-in-a-row feats. The former Scotland striker's time at Aberdeen coincided exactly with Rangers winning nine successive titles.

Now City have become the third Scottish club - Celtic were the first - to pull off the feat. Booth said: "You have to hand it to the players and coaching staff at any club which can win nine titles in a row.

"But equally important at Glasgow City has been the contribution of the co-owners, Laura Montgomery and Carol Anne Stewart. The level of performance and the heights City have reached wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for all the hard work they put into the club."

Booth also had praise for club captain Leanne Ross, the Scotland internationalist who has played in every one of the nine title seasons.

"Leanne is still as hungry as ever," he said. "It's just her nature, she is very competitive and professional. To still have the appetite she does nine years after her first title win is incredible."

Loan signing Rachel Corsie opened the scoring with her first goal since re-joining the club from Seattle Reign. Hayley Lauder and Abbi Grant made it three on the hour before Kelly Forrest pulled one back for Aberdeen.

Booth added: "The difference between this season and previous ones is that Hibs have really pushed us - and I expect them to do the same next season as well. It would be nice for Aberdeen to step up again too. It's good for us if they do because we want really competitive games in the league."

Earlier, Hibs demolished Rangers in a midday kick off. They led 3-0 at half time, and added six more in the second half. Lizzie Arnot (3), Heather Richards (2), Abi Harrison (2), Chloe Arthur and Lisa Robertson were the scorers in the rout.

"I've thought for a while everything was going to click together, and today the girls got it right from start to finishm" said head coach Chris Roberts. "We scored nine, but could probably have had another couple as well.

"The most pleasing thing for the staff was how much the girls were driven despite their chance of winning the league having gone.

"It's massive congratulations to Glasgow City for winning nine titles. People say that retaining a title is harder than winning one, and they've done it over and over."

Celtic leapfrogged the Dons into third place with a hard-fought 3-2 win at Spartans. Ruesha Littlejohn and Joanne Paton fired the visitors into a two goal lead, but Michelle Russell and Alana Marshall made it 2-2 at the interval. Paton scored the winner ten minutes from time.

The teams now meet in a third and fourth place showdown in the final league match in a fortnight.