Celtic Women suffered their first post-split loss in the Scottish Women's Premier League as Hearts defeated them 4-1 at Oriam.
Although most of the first half proved to be a close affair, it was disaster for the Celts close to the break as the Jambos struck. They opened the scoring as the Hoops scored an own goal, with goalkeeper Lisa Rodgers unable to keep out a looping cross.
The hosts doubled their lead moments later as Erin Husband struck low after receiving the ball from a corner, slipping it past Rodgers and into the back of the net.
Going into the second half, Celtic were looking to get back on track, and things only got worse. Just two minutes after play restarted, Hearts looked dangerous again.
They struck the ball, and Maddi Wilde attempted to clear the ball, accidentally committing a handball offence. She was sent off, and Hearts stepped up to the spot, with Georgia Timms converting a powerful penalty.
Grant Scott's side weren't out of the tie yet as they looked to get themselves back in the game. Saoirse Noonan struck home from inside the box just after the hour mark, and almost scored a quick second as Noonan headed past the goalkeeper. The second goal was not given as the referee ruled that Maria McAneny had fouled a Hearts defender in the build-up.
Hearts restored their three-goal advantage with 70 minutes on the clock, and there was too little time for Celtic to claw their way back. Defeat in the capital, and the team's first league loss under Scott.
Speaking after the game to Celtic TV, Grant Scott said: "Massively disappointed. Very, very disappointing first 45 from us. Really questionable performance. We spoke about that openly at half-time. You can't account for the decisions, the goal we lose early, the sending off then.
"Then, I thought we showed real character. We have a good opportunity, ball in the net, 3-2. I haven't seen it back yet to see if it was a foul. But I think at that point, we had so much momentum, and it was a credit to the players on the pitch then.
"But ultimately, the overriding thing is disappointment. I don't think that was good enough from us."
Celtic still holding on in the title race, but no chances left
Celtic are still in the title race, four points behind Rangers, but chances are running out. With Glasgow City losing as well, the pressure remains on them, despite them still occupying the top spot.
The Hoops should be out of this race after recent performances, but they are not, and there is every chance they can go on and win this title.
However, there is no room for dropped points from now on, and a draw or a loss could end our season. This is concerning because there is a match against Rangers next on April 6. The Hoops don't have a good record against them, and we'll need to pray that we can turn that around.