A Saoirse Noonan hat-trick helped Celtic survive a spirited fightback from hosts Montrose to move one point clear at the top of the Scottish Women's Premier League.

The Republic of Ireland striker took only 14 minutes to fire the reigning champions ahead and midfielder Maria McAneny slotted the second four minutes later.

When Noonan fired her second in first-half stoppage time, it looked like a handsome victory was on the cards.

Alma Codegoni pulled one back just after the hour mark and fellow forward Louise Brown added another with 10 minutes remaining.

However, Noonan scored on the turn a minute later to secure the visitors' victory and take her goal tally to nine in seven games since arriving from Durham this summer.

Second-top Rangers have a game in hand as they visit third-top Heart of Midlothian on Sunday, with the sides tied on points.

Glasgow City also have 18 points as they host fifth-placed Hibernian.