Rangrs Ladies booked their place in the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup Semi Final with a 3-0 victory at Hamilton Academical.
Three second half goals from Amy Muir, Hayley Sinclair and a Hamilton own goal were enough to see Rangers run out deserved winners.
The first half was a tight affair with goalscoring opportunities being at a premium. Caitlin O’Hara almost capitalised on a misplaced backpass, but Grant in the Hamilton goal recovered and managed to run the ball out.
Rangers had the better of the early possession but the home side grew into the game as the half progressed. Laura Gallen was presented with an excellent chance to open the scoring as she was played in by Mhari Lyle. Gallen hit a curled effort from the edge of the box and the ball went inches wide of the far post.
Rangers started the second half brightly as they came out looking to open the scoring. Claire Adams came close with a long effort that took an awkward bounce in front of the ‘keeper who needed two attempts to collect.
The game’s first goal came on the 55th minute as Muir scored direct from a free kick. Lauren Davidson was fouled to the left hand side of the box. Muir sent the free kick into the box and it fooled everyone as the ball settled in the corner of the net.
Rangers doubled their lead five minutes later. A short corner routine was rounded off by Clare Gemmell firing a drilled cross into the box. The ball came off the head of Accies’ Gillian Inglis and into her own net.
The cushioned lead saw Rangers grow in confidence and start to control the game. Chelsie Watson came close with an audacious effort from all of 30 yards which stung the palms of Grant.
Rangers were well on top and Sinclair made sure of the win with the third goal coming on the 75th minute. Sinclair was alert and nicked the ball off the Hamilton defender from a goal kick. As Grant rushed out to close down the angle, Sinclair kept her cool and lobbed the ball over the ‘keeper and into the net.
Rangers will next be in action on Sunday 24th September as the return to league action with a trip up to Aberdeen.
Report: David Marshall
Picture: Rangers FC
