Redemption for Rangers at Hampden After League Title Slip
It was a barren year for Rangers’ men’s team, but their female counterparts delivered again, securing a second successive cup double with a commanding 3-0 victory over rivals Glasgow City at Hampden Park this afternoon. Rangers entered the final eager to bounce back after a crushing final-day defeat against Hibernian at Ibrox cost them the Scottish Women’s Premier League title. Jo Potter’s side responded with professionalism and fire, ending their season on a high while condemning City to a second consecutive trophyless campaign.
McAuley Opens the Scoring for Rangers with Classy Finish
Teenager Mia McAuley broke the deadlock midway through the first half. The move began with Tessel Middag intercepting a pass from Samantha van Diemen inside Rangers’ own half.
The Ibrox side broke at pace, with Kirsty Howatt releasing Katie Wilkinson on the halfway line. The club’s top scorer played a perfectly weighted ball through to McAuley, who took her shot early from distance, catching City goalkeeper Lee Gibson off guard and putting Rangers 1-0 up.
Howatt Doubles the Lead Before the Break
Rangers struck again before half-time. Wilkinson turned provider once more, delivering a pinpoint cross from the right wing into Howatt. The striker expertly turned Van Diemen inside the box before slotting home to double Rangers’ advantage.
Clinical Howatt Seals the Cup with Second Goal
Glasgow City made tactical adjustments at the interval in an attempt to recover, but Rangers quickly put the game beyond doubt. Once again Wilkinson was at the heart of the move, threading a defence-splitting pass to Chelsea Cornet. Her cutback across the six-yard box found Howatt, who tapped home her second and Rangers’ third of the afternoon.
VAR Drama and Late Chances Add to City’s Misery
Van Diemen’s tough afternoon worsened when she was sent off following a VAR review for a pullback on Rangers substitute Camille Lafaix. Initially shown a yellow card, the offence was upgraded to red after further review.
Glasgow City appeared to pull one back late on through Rio Hardy, but the officials ruled her finish offside. Moments later, Lafaix spurned a golden opportunity, failing to convert one-on-one after rounding the keeper, allowing City to recover and clear.
Ross Retires in Style Against Her Former Club
Veteran forward Jane Ross made a late cameo appearance, marking the end of her 23-year career with a Scottish Cup winners medal. The 147-cap Scotland international faced her first professional side one final time, lifting the trophy alongside captain Kathy Hill in the rain-soaked Glasgow evening.
City Set for Europe, Rangers Reflect on Missed Treble
Despite the defeat, Glasgow City will compete in next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League after finishing second in the SWPL. Rangers, while securing another domestic cup double, are left to reflect on what might have been, missing out on a historic treble and a place in Europe after that heartbreaking loss to Hibs on the final day.
.
