HAYLEY Lauder's return from injury coincided with Glasgow City's best performance of the season as they crushed Spartans 9-0 at Petershill Park. The defending SWPL 1 champions remain top on goal difference from Celtic, who also won handsomely, beating Partick Thistle 6-0.

Rangers, who will go top if they win their game in hand against Thistle on Wednesday, edged out Hibernian 1-0, while there were first points of the season for Hearts and Motherwell against Aberdeen and Hamilton Accies.

Game of the day was at the Tony Macaroni Arena, with a goal from Zoe Ness early in the second half separating the sides. The Rangers striker collected a headed clearance just inside the Hibs box and sent a low shot into the corner.

“One thing we've been able to do better this year is to be able to grind out results and today was a grind,” Rangers captain Brianna Westrup admitted. “It's a bit more nervy when it's 1-0, but we got three points which is important.”

Glasgow City were 2-0 up within five minutes against Spartans and scored three more before half time. Aoife Colvill and substitute Lauren Davidson, with two apiece, led the way in the 9-0 win.

“We've been winning games, but not playing as well as we would like,” Lauder, who has had a calf injury, said. “We needed something like that.”

Striker Charlie Wellings scored a hat-trick and captain Kelly Clark made her 200th appearance as Celtic eased to a 6-0 win over Thistle.

There was a much needed first win for Hearts' Spanish head coach Eva Olid. Her side recovered from being 2-0 down after just 20 minutes against Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium to win 3-2.

Motherwell also got their first three points, beating Hamilton Accies 3-0 in the Lanarkshire derby.