Celtic FC Women secured another important victory in their chase for the SWPL title, defeating Hibernian 2-1 at the Meadowbank Stadium.

The Ghirls played out the penultimate game of the league season on Sunday, knowing a win would take the title race to the final day of the campaign.

First-half goals from Kit Loferski and Claire O’Riordan helped the Celts see off the Edinburgh side and pick up another three points.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, manager Fran Alonso said: “Of course I'm delighted with the three points - that is the most important thing. But I am slightly disappointed with the match as a whole.

“I think in the first half we were quite good. Our game-management was nowhere near good enough, though, and I was disappointed with how we managed the game at the end as a team.

“Of course, it is very difficult because we have had five games in two weeks. Every player will be feeling it after playing five really tough games against the top six teams.

'At the same time every match is a must-win game, so it can be hard. We tried to give the opportunity to some young players to refresh the legs.'

“At the end we conceded a goal that we shouldn’t be conceding, which then led into another chance at the end for Hibs.

“If we scored a third goal after all the chances we had, then it's game over, and we put even more pressure on the other two teams at the top.

“But we are still very much alive in the title race. The result means that the league will go to the last day of the season.”

It has been a hectic few weeks for the Hoops, as they play out their remaining few fixtures of the 2022/23 season.

Over the past 11 days, the Celts have been involved in four huge games against the likes of league leaders Glasgow City and rivals Rangers.

Thursday evening’s victory over City at Celtic Park would have taken a lot out of the squad, and Alonso was pleased with their efforts after a busy few weeks.

“The fact we came away with all three points is the most important thing,” he said. “We didn’t have a good game against Partick Thistle because of the same reason.

“Playing on Thursday, and then going again on Sunday with no training and only 48 hours to recover. It’s crazy in my opinion.

“But we have to get on with it, and there are other teams that have experienced the same.

“We knew how hard it was for Rangers to come here (Meadowbank) last week, scoring a goal in the 85^th minute. So we knew it was going to be a tough game.

'We scored two goals in the first half, and I was absolutely delighted. We wanted to push forward for another goal, but the players were feeling it.'

“Naturally we are a little bit disappointed to concede a goal at the end, but I am still very proud of the girls.

“There is still everything to play for. Going into the last league game, we still have a chance to become champions. We will try our very best to put in a better performance next week.

“The girls put in such a shift today. The win on Thursday was absolutely massive, and it was a very difficult game.”

Celtic head into the last game of the campaign knowing they are still well in the fight for the league title as they take on Hearts.

It is bound to be an exciting end to the league, with just two points separating the top three sides. There is also the added factor of Glasgow City and Rangers battling it out for three points on the final day.

The Hoops manager is hopeful that a big crowd will come out to cheer on the Ghirls, as they look to lift the league title for the first time next Sunday.

He said: “It is a home game, which obviously we prefer. We will have our supporters who travel everywhere with us, but it would be great to have a bigger crowd.

'We are going to need the supporters. Hopefully, we are able to make history next week!'

“We will try our very best, and try to win the game against a very good side in Hearts. They have had an outstanding season.

“But it’s our home game, so we need to try and win that. A result will at least guarantee us Champions League and then it all depends on what is happening elsewhere.

“Maybe we will be in the Champions League or league winners. Right now it’s not in our hands, so the only thing we can do is win our game and focus on ourselves.”

Fran Alonso: Taking home three points was the most important objective