RANGERS took advantage of leaders Celtic losing 2-1 to Glasgow City when they beat Dundee United 5-0 to go back on top of the SWPL.
They head City on goal difference, with Celtic three points behind.
A last-minute winner from City captain Hayley Lauder maintained her side’s 100 per cent record in an end-to-end battle at Petershill Park.
Celtic were denied what looked a clear-cut penalty in the first half, and then conceded one themselves five minutes into the second period.
Mexican goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar, who otherwise had a good game, brought down City striker Emily Whelan and Lauren Davidson put City ahead.
The home side looked to be cruising but gave away a daft goal when central defender Claire Walsh made no attempt to clear a low cross from substitute Shen Menglu and the ball ended up in the net.
The SWPL’s top scorer Clarisa Larisey should have put Celtic ahead, but with only Lee Gibson to beat completely fluffed her shot. The overnight league leaders paid a heavy price when Lauder slotted home her late winner.
It looked like being a torrid afternoon for Dundee United when they went 2-0 down to Rangers after only six minutes, but they managed to contain the damage.
Colette Cavanagh opened the scoring with her first Rangers goal and later added a second, with Kayla McCoy, Rachel McLauchlan and Lisa Martinez also finding the net.
Hearts stay in fourth, nine points behind Celtic, following a 1-0 win over Motherwell at Oriam.
It was a historic afternoon for Aberdeen as they recorded their first-ever win at Pittodrie, and also their first of the season. Dutch midfielder Nadine Hanssen, who is the partner of men’s goalkeeper Kelle Roos, got her first goal in the 2-0 win over bottom club Glasgow Women.
Spartans lost 2-1 at home to Hamilton Accies, while in the day’s final game Hibernian and Partick Thistle drew 0-0.
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