Hibernian and Glasgow City will meet again in the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup final after Hibs saw off Rangers in relative comfort at the Forthbank Stadium. It wasn’t all Hibs though, despite the 4-0 scoreline, with Rangers going close on a number of occasions and just failing to find the net. However, the Edinburgh side took their chances and were deserving winners of the tie.
It looked as if Hibs would get the early goal and settle any pre-match nerves. Wonderful work by Katey Turner created some space on the left hand side and her cross found Rachel McLaughlin looming at the back post. Her effort was good but deflected away from target, only for it to fall to Turner who was now just yards from the goal to slot it home. Her effort though was smashed over the bar, seemingly hitting a Rangers player in the process and going out for a corner.
Under Amy McDonald, Rangers have been improving and with a young squad they will certainly be looking to continue that momentum in the coming months and years. This progress and development was clear in the form of Lauren Davidson, only 15, playing up front and causing a headache for the Hibs defence. With 15 minutes gone she was in behind and after a darting run forward, a good effort was saved by Jenna Fife. It was a sign of the pace and danger that Rangers possessed.
With 20 minutes on the clock, Hibernian though did take the lead. A simple enough goal but testament to the quality and goal scoring freedom that Hibs have played with this season. A ball in from the right by Rachel McLaughlin went into the six-yard box and Turner meet the cross at the front post before anyone else, tucking it past Jordyn Elliot in the Rangers goal. There was a discussion between the referee and the assistant before the goal was confirmed but it was given eventually.
Minutes later and Rangers thought they had got an equaliser. A corner in was put on top of Fife and a bundle of players, one of which steered the ball into the Hibs net with a header. However, the referee was quick to blow her whistle and give the free-kick in favour of Hibernian.
There was to be a further blow as with 30 minutes gone, the holders were to double their lead. Down the right hand side again, Turner manager to beat her opponent and steered the ball towards goal. Perhaps it was a cross but the looping effort went over Elliot and nestled into the back of the net. A lovely finish, if perhaps slightly lucky.
For Rangers, it went from bad to worse only minutes later. Lisa Robertson getting in on the action with a 35-yard strike. She is known for having that ability and it was the perfect time to demonstrate it.
Despite a mountain to climb, Rangers would certainly come out and fight for their chance to reach the final against Glasgow City. They were far from outclassed in the first half and perhaps the scoreline was a harsh reflection on the first 45 minutes.
However, as has been the problem for most teams this season, scoring goals against the Cup holders is a hard task. That would prove the the case for Rangers as they struggled to create clear cut chances and when they did, Davidson in particular, couldn’t quite show the composure required to finish off when one-on-one with Fife.
It was then Hibs who added to their advantage. Abigail Harrison, a constant threat and outlet for Hibs this season, grabbing their fourth and final goal of the game.
There was very few chances towards the end of the match with Hibs controlling the tempo, seeing out the match in champion style. They’ll now face Glasgow City, a rematch of the epic final from last year where Hibs were victorious after penalties. City will be out for revenge though after not having won the League or SSE Scottish Cup in their last three attempts, at the expense of Hibernian.
The match will take place on Sunday 26th November at the Tony Macaroni Arena, Livingston, at 16:00.
