Rangers returned to winning ways in the SWPL with a comfortable 3-0 win over Hibs that sustained their four-point lead at the top of the table.

In what was the final game before the split, Rangers were back on form after recent draws against Partick Thistle and Celtic. They now turn their attention to Scottish Cup matters before they play Celtic again in the first league game after the split.

Mia McAuley netted in the opening half but further goals followed after the break from Rio Hardy before McAuley netted her second of the afternoon.

Elena Sadiku’s side hammered Thistle 6-1 to consolidate the theory that they have found their feet under the Swedish coach after a hesitant start to her reign.

The victory came via an Amy Gallacher hat-trick with further goals from Murphy Agnew, Natasha Flint and Jenny Smith.  Cara Henderson had netted one from the spot for Thistle who struggled to deal with the intensity of Celtic.

“We were happy with the first-half but not so much the second-half because we felt like we could have pushed for more,” reflected Hoops boss Sadiku.

“It is a good sign when you want more. We are progressing but we still think there is more.

“We started the game well and we deserved that early goal but I was happy with how we reacted to that because we wanted to then get another one and then another one and that makes me proud.

“We created a lot of chances from open play not just set-pieces. We always want to continue that but there are chances coming for us from open play and that is so important.”

City were up and running with the opening minutes of their game against the Dons with Hayley Lauder netting after just two minutes.

It set the tone for the game with further goals from from Meikayla Moore who netted a brace as did Carlee Giammona, while there were also goals from Lisa Forrest, Wilma Forsblom and Aleigh Gambone. Bayley Hutchison netted Aberdeen’s consolation effort.

“We started really well considering we were coming in off the back of the international week,” said Leanne Ross.

“It was nice to get the early goal to settle us and I think we controlled the game, apart from a 10-15 minute spell in the second-half that we weren’t happy with.

“We worked hard to make sure we could come and put on a performance today in terms of our attacking play and it was nice to see that coming out.”

There were big results at the bottom of the table too with Montrose’s 7-0 win over Hamilton taking them off the bottom.

Their victory leaves Accies and Dundee United trouble – Hearts beat United 3-0 - with both teams propping up the table.

Montrose have moved level on points with Spartans who lost 4-1 to Motherwell.