It’s not been the best of seasons for Celtic women. But like the men’s team, they've ended their season on a high. Manager Grant Scott led them to a nail-biting 1-0 Scottish Gas Scottish Cup win over Rangers at Hampden on Sunday.
Celtic ended their SWPL season in a disappointing fifth place. That left them behind Hibs, Glasgow City, Rangers, and the champions, Hearts. Their route to Hampden was a tough one with that in mind. They had to beat each of those four clubs en route and then in the final to eventually take the trophy.
The win didn't come easy for Celtic, by any means. Rangers dominated the first half but couldn't find any success in front of goal. Celtic keeper Adelaide Grey made several saves to keep them out. Against the run of play somewhat, Women's Player of the Year, Morgan Cross slid in a cross into the net on 26 minutes to give Celtic the lead.
Celtic women lift the Scottish Cup despite red card
The second half got even tougher for Celtic as they held on to their lead. A couple of soft yellow cards saw defender Emma Lawton sent off on 58 minutes. That gave Rangers an opportunity to keep pressing forward. Which they did for much of the remaining half hour or so.
Again that failed to yield success. Celtic defended strongly and survived a few scares. Gay made more saves and although Rangers kept pressing to the end, they just didn't offer enough in front of goal. A late Rangers penalty claim was waved away in the 6 minute stoppage time added.
In the end, Celtic held the lead, secured the win, and that trophy. It was their first win in 11 matches against Rangers. What a time and place to break that run.
Celtic help complete awkward double for Rangers
That Celtic victory has completed an unwanted double for Rangers as a club. A harrowing 6-0 loss for Rangers against Glasgow City last week cost them the league title. City also triumphed over Rangers in the League Cup in March. And now Celtic has picked up the Scottish Cup.
Just like their men’s side, Rangers women have ended this season without any silverware. The trophy room at Ibrox won't need much polishing for a while. Celtic women can at least look at their cup medals with some satisfaction as they rest over the summer ahead of next season.
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