Hearts drew with Glasgow City at Oriam on Sunday and kept their lead at the top of the SWPL to five points. The result means they could still be crowned champions for the first time later in the day if Rangers fail to beat Celtic at 1600.

It was a point earned in a match that never properly opened up. The first half was described as incredibly cagey, with Lauren Wade’s free-kick almost creating the breakthrough when Erin Husband stretched for contact. Glasgow City also came close through Emily Whelan, who forced Rachael Johnstone into a smart stop, while Lisa Forrest missed the target with a diving header from close range after coming on as a substitute.

Hearts needed victory over Glasgow City in their penultimate game to secure the title outright, but the draw still left them in control of the race. They now wait on Rangers, who were scheduled to face Celtic at 1600 in a match shown live on Scotland.

The timing gives Hearts a chance to celebrate on the same day they took another step toward the championship, but the final outcome is no longer entirely in their hands. The result left them reliant on Rangers failing to beat Celtic for immediate title celebration, a twist that sits uneasily with how close they have come to making history.

Hearts have been attempting to win the SWPL title for the first time, and the stakes have only grown in a weekend already loaded with pressure around the club. A day earlier, the men’s team had agonisingly missed out on a first top-flight title in 66 years, making Sunday’s women’s result part of a broader stretch of near-misses and high expectations for the Edinburgh club.

For now, Hearts remain five points clear and within touching distance of the trophy. Whether they can finally finish the job today depends on what happens at Celtic Park, where Rangers and Celtic were set to decide the immediate shape of the title race.