GLASGOW CITY secured their place in the Scottish record books yesterday when they beat Hibernian 3-1 at the Excelsior Stadium to win a 10th successive title.

As fate would have it, the champions surpassed the nine-in-a-row achievements of Celtic and Rangers at the same time as the two Glasgow clubs were playing the first half of the Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden.

Needing just a point against their closest rivals, the SWPL1 leaders controlled the first half and were two up at half time thanks to goals from Sarah Crilly and Savannah McCarthy. A third goal from Clare Shine midway through the second half ensured there would be no late drama; Siobhan Hunter's late score was no more than a consolation.

City's most influential player was Scotland midfielder Hayley Lauder, who set up Crilly's first goal with a clever flick in the Hibs box and then twice hit the woodwork herself. Shine took advantage of a rebound from the second attempt to slam the ball home for the third.

The teams will meet again in the final of the SSE Scottish Women's Cup a week on Sunday, when both will be looking to win their second trophy of the season.

“It's a massive achievement for the club when you think about the amount of people who have been involved in ten-in-a-row,” pointed out head coach Scott Booth. “Obviously [owners] Laura Montgomery and Carol Anne Stewart, but also all the other people who volunteer in the background and have done so for years.

“It's very nice to be part of it. The players have a very good mindset and there was a hunger and desire to win the title today. I felt very confident from the start because of that.”

The title win was a particular triumph for captain Leanne Ross, the only player to have been involved in every one of the ten seasons.

“It's obviously brilliant to finally have it in the bag,” the right back said. “We've shown we're the worthy champions.

“This one stands out because it's a record, and it has also definitely been harder to win for the last couple of years. We've lost a number of players who've gone on professional contracts elsewhere.”

Hibs were without captain Joelle Murray, who was injured playing for Scotland in Thursday night's 7-0 defeat by Netherlands. “If we'd played her today we'd have risked losing her for the rest of the season,” pointed out head coach Chris Roberts.

SWPL2 leaders Hamilton Accies beat Hutchison Vale 6-0 and will be promoted if they win their final home game against Buchan on Sunday.