Hibernian are within touching distance of an unexpected SWPL title win Scottish Women's Premier League: Hibernian v Celtic Venue:Meadowbank Stadium, EdinburghDate:Wednesday 14 May Kick-off:18:00 BST Coverage:Watch on BBC Alba, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app It is understandable Hibernian head coach Grant Scott's nerves are jangling as the Scottish Women's Premier League appears destined to go down to yet another final-day decider. With two games to go, Hibs sit top - three points ahead of treble-hunters Rangers and 16-time record winners Glasgow City. For each of the past two campaigns since the SWPL split was introduced, managing director Fiona McIntyre has spent the last day of the season in car with the trophy, pulling the odd U-turn as the drama unfolded. The 'big three' of Celtic, Rangers and Glasgow City have all been involved, but this year, the surprise package from the east are in the driving seat. Hibs were the bridesmaid seven times during City's 14-year stranglehold of the SWPL and have not won the league since 2007. However, two more victories - against Celtic on Wednesday and Rangers on Sunday at Ibrox, no less - and they will have pulled off the unthinkable. How does Scott feel about that? "Excited, incredibly proud, but also really scared," he replied. Hibs have timed their run to the summit perfectly, first moving level on points with City on 2 March. Since then, they have not been budged. They could have had an even comfier cushion heading into the penultimate round of fixtures but drew with Leanne Ross' City in the capital on Sunday. That could yet prove to be a precious point as it is one that keeps their fate in their own hands on Wednesday, at least. While Hibs host Celtic - who they are undefeated against this campaign - second-placed Rangers travel to Heart of Midlothian, with City at Motherwell. Should both chasers suffer unlikely defeats, and Hibs get the job done against the deposed champions, the Leith side could be announced champions on the night. Grant, though, insists he has "not at all" thought of that possibility. "Two 90 minutes of football determines where we finish, that's the simplicity and beauty of the game," Grant told BBC Scotland. "That gives you the nervous fear that hopefully gives you the right energy to keep performing. "We're all dreaming about what could be, we're just trying to ground ourselves, but it's getting harder and harder the closer it gets." For weeks, Scott and his players have batted away the suggestion they could cause a stir and secure the title. Now he is asking them to soak it all in. "Honestly, this week, whatever happens, it goes to the last day of the season and that's just mega exciting," he said. "I just hope the players soak up the privilege of being in that position because they've worked so hard to get there and, as long as we turn up, I'll be happy." Happy he might be, but how will Scott cope in the run up to Sunday's showdown? "Truthfully, I don't know," he replied. "I don't know how I'll sleep, how I'll recover the players, how I'll keep a lid on it all, I have no idea." 12/05/25 Jo Potter's Rangers remain in contention for a domestic treble Rangers head coach Jo Potter already has one trophy in the bag this season after her side thrashed Hibs 5-0 in the SWPL Cup final. With Potter's team also facing City in this month's Women's Scottish Cup final, a domestic treble is still on, something she regards as "crazy" considering she thinks her side are "fortunate" to be back in the title race. If either Hibs or City had won their game on Sunday, Rangers would have been needing favours from elsewhere, but now they know, thanks to their superior goal difference, that two consecutive wins will be enough to secure the title they narrowly lost to Celtic last season. "It's better than it was last year because we lost out on goal difference," she said. "We said from very early doors that we don't want to feel that feeling again and we've got ourselves in a really healthy position. That's comforting for us." Sunday's 1-0 win away to reigning champions Celtic was a potential banana skin survived, but Potter pointed out that her side "must turn up to Hearts first" - a side who recently beat Hibs on their own patch - before thinking of a potential title showdown against the current leaders. As she prepared to face former side Motherwell, City assistant Leanne Crichton, who was a serial title winner with her club as a player, expects the title race to go down to the final day. "There's a reason why Hibs are still at the top of the table - because they're a good side, they've got experienced players, they've got quality, they've got a good manager," she told BBC Scotland's Behind the Goals podcast. "There's still so much to play for. The Champions League spots as well are absolutely massive. "Ultimately, if you cannot win the league, the next big thing is European football. The three teams at the top have still got it all to play for. It feels like it could be another final-day drama." 13/05/25
Will 'excited but scared' Hibs edge closer to title?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Hibernian Aims for SWPL Title in Final Matches Against Celtic and Rangers"
Bbc News
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Hibernian Football Club stands on the brink of an unexpected Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) title, with their upcoming matches against Celtic and Rangers serving as pivotal moments in the season. Currently leading the league by three points ahead of Rangers and Glasgow City, Hibs has positioned itself for a remarkable achievement, aiming to secure their first league title since 2007. Coach Grant Scott expressed a mixture of excitement and apprehension as the team prepares for the final fixtures. Historically, Hibs has been a strong contender but has often found itself overshadowed by the dominance of Glasgow City in recent years. However, this season has seen Hibs maintain a steady grip on the top position, particularly since leveling with City earlier in March. Despite a recent draw that could have provided a more comfortable cushion, Hibs remains in control of its destiny and hopes to clinch victory against Celtic, a team they have yet to lose to this campaign.
As the league title race heats up, the competition remains fierce, with Rangers and Glasgow City also vying for the championship. Rangers, under head coach Jo Potter, are not only chasing the league title but are also in contention for a domestic treble, having already secured the SWPL Cup. Potter acknowledges the pressure of the title race, emphasizing that her team must focus on their upcoming match against Heart of Midlothian before considering a potential title decider against Hibs. Meanwhile, City assistant coach Leanne Crichton notes the significance of the title race and European qualification spots, highlighting the competitive nature of the league. With the final matches set to be decisive, both Hibernian and their challengers are preparing for what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the season, where every game could have monumental implications for their respective ambitions.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the current position of Hibernian in the Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) as they approach a potentially historic title win. With only two games left in the season, Hibs find themselves at the top of the table, leading by three points over their closest rivals, Rangers, and 16-time champions, Glasgow City. The narrative builds excitement around the possibility of Hibs winning their first league title since 2007, framing them as the unexpected challengers in a league traditionally dominated by the "big three."
Purpose of the Article
This article aims to create excitement and anticipation among fans and the wider community regarding Hibernian's title prospects. By focusing on the emotional state of the head coach and the team's recent performance, it seeks to galvanize support and interest in the SWPL, thereby elevating the profile of women's football in Scotland.
Public Perception and Emotional Engagement
The article emphasizes the mixed feelings of excitement and fear expressed by the head coach, which reflects a broader emotional engagement with the team. This narrative encourages readers to connect with the team’s journey, fostering a sense of community and shared hope among supporters.
Potential Omissions and Biases
There could be a tendency to downplay the historical dominance of Glasgow City and the competitive nature of the league. By focusing on Hibs' recent success and the possibility of an upset, the article may overlook the challenges they still face. This could lead to a skewed perception that Hibs' victory is more likely than it realistically is.
Manipulative Aspects
The article may manipulate sentiments by framing Hibernian’s situation in a heroic light, emphasizing their underdog status and the emotional stakes involved. The use of phrases like "excited but scared" is strategically chosen to evoke sympathy and support from readers.
Truthfulness of the Content
The information presented appears to be factual, focusing on Hibernian's standings and upcoming matches. However, the emotional framing and narrative choices may influence how readers perceive the reality of the situation, potentially leading to overly optimistic expectations.
Community and Economic Implications
The excitement surrounding Hibernian’s title chase can encourage increased attendance at matches, boosting local engagement and potentially leading to economic benefits for the club and surrounding businesses. A successful campaign could also enhance sponsorship opportunities and media coverage for women's football in Scotland.
Target Audience
This article likely resonates more with sports enthusiasts, particularly those invested in women's football. It aims to attract fans of Hibernian and those interested in the dynamics of competitive sports.
Broader Market Impact
While this article might not directly influence stock markets, it could affect local businesses associated with the club. Increased attendance and engagement could lead to higher sales for merchandise and services related to the team.
Global Context
In the context of global sports, the article contributes to the growing narrative of women's football gaining recognition. The success of teams like Hibernian can inspire similar movements in other countries, aligning with broader trends advocating for gender equality in sports.
AI Involvement in Writing
It is plausible that AI tools were utilized in drafting this article, particularly in structuring the narrative and emotional appeal. However, the human touch in capturing the coach's sentiments suggests a collaborative effort between AI and human writers, aiming to create an engaging and relatable story.
In summary, this article successfully generates excitement and interest around Hibernian's title chase while potentially oversimplifying the competitive landscape of the SWPL. The emotional framing invites community support, but it may also lead to unrealistic expectations regarding the team's chances.