Rangers kept themselves in the hunt for SWPL title, edging past Celtic courtesy of Kirsty Howat’s early goal and maintaining their undefeated status against their rivals this season.

A long range pass from Tessel Middag saw Howat dart into space with only Kelsey Daugherty to beat, the striker making no mistake in passing the keeper before slotting home the opener.

Fife, was called into action after a quiet first-half as Saoirse Noonan fired a low driven shot in the second half, but the keeper was equal to it.

It proved to be a difficult afternoon for the Irish striker, who fired another good chance clear over the bar.

Howat almost grabbed herself a double, one on one with the keeper she was denied by a sprawling Daugherty as Celtic looked to find a way back into the game.

Coming close to adding a second for Rangers, Kirsty MacLean’s rocket from outside the box was well saved by the American shot stopper.

However there would be no opportunity more golden than one wasted by substitute Morgan Cross, whose diving header could only send a potential equaliser wide following Smith’s excellent cross.

Holding for the three points, Rangers pipped Glasgow City to second thanks to their vastly superior goal and sit just three points behind Hibernian with two games left to play.

Line-ups:

Celtic: Daugherty, Barclais, Clark (Carstens 89), Lawton, Ashworth-Clifford (Cross 70), Nakao (Harrison 82), Gallacher (Cavanagh 82), Smith, McAneny, Noonan, Agnew (Loferski 71) Unused subs: Dawson, Bruna Lourenço, Rodgers

Booked: Cavanagh

Rangers: Fife, Docherty (c), Rafferty, Middag, McLeary, MacLean, Wilkinson (McAuley 83), Cornet, Hay (Lafaix 92), Howat (Berry 92), Hardy (Ross 88) Unused subs: Arnot, Cruft, Esson

Goals: Howat (12)

Booked: Cornet, Howat