The SWPL Cup Final takes place this Sunday at the Falkirk Stadium as Hibernian and Celtic battle for the first major silverware of the season.
The two sides met in the final last year with Hibernian winning 4-1 at the Broadwood Stadium. They’ll be the favourites again to win the trophy for a third year in a row after also winning 3-1 in the league away to Celtic.
Grant Scott, Head Coach of Hibernian, said, “They’re probably in a fortunate position (the players) that most games they play, they will go in as favourites. It’s not anything new but we must guard against it (complacency).
“They played Celtic recently in the league and it was a tough match. We didn’t play great on the day, so we’ll look to rectify that on Sunday. But the players know they’ll be in for a big contest.”
David Haley, Celtic Women’s Manager, said, “I think we are underdogs given Hibs’ history in the competition and where they are at the moment. That’s fine. Someone has to be the underdog and it won’t make any difference to our preparation.
“We know what Hibs can do and we know they’re a threat as well. But we’ve got players that can hurt them and hopefully they’ll be able to do that on Sunday.”
Cheryl McCulloch, Celtic Women’s Defender, echoed her Manager’s thoughts by saying, “Hibs are obviously going to be the favourites, they are the holders and they’ve been really competitive in the last few years in the cup. We just go out and do what we do any other game and hopefully on the day we do perform. I guess there will be a bit less pressure on us and that can only help us.”
Joelle Murray, Hibernian Ladies Captain, is out for the final after suffering an injury in the Celtic game at K-Park. “Celtic are always a very physical team, as I know”, she said. “We know that’s going to be a given. We know that they’re going to come out and be very, very physical.
“If we focus from the first whistle to the last, with the talent in our squad, I’d like to think that we can come away on Sunday with the cup. It’s a one off game and Celtic will be up for it. I think it’s going to be a great game and a great spectacle for the neutral.”
The match will also be broadcast on BBC Alba, starting at 4pm for a 4.10pm kick-off. Entry to the match is charged at £5 for adults and £2 for children/concessions.
