- Rangers Women reach fourth consecutive Scottish Cup final after 2-0 win over Montrose.
- Katie Wilkinson scores twice, including penalty, after coming off bench to inspire victory.
- Leanne Crichton’s side set up Old Firm final clash with Celtic at Hampden.
Rangers women booked their place in a fourth consecutive Women’s Scottish Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Montrose at Hampden yesterday.
Leanne Crichton’s side earning an Old Firm showdown with Celtic on May 31 in the final.
Montrose make it difficult
Despite entering the tie as clear favourites, Rangers were forced to work hard by Craig Feroz’s side, who frustrated the champions throughout a goalless first half.
Montrose remained disciplined and organised, limiting clear chances and ensuring the opening 45 minutes remained competitive.
Leanne Crichton unimpressed despite progression
Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton admitted her side were not at their best early on.
“Tough game, we always knew it would be. Montrose are a tough nut to crack,” she said.
“They’ve been a real handful this season.”
Crichton also highlighted her decision to rotate the squad, which had mixed results in a tense opening spell.
“We tried to be a bit braver in terms of the starting line-up, but it didn’t work,” she admitted.
“That’s a lesson learned for us.”
Rangers Women make season-ending final
The breakthrough arrived shortly after the interval, with Rangers making an immediate impact following half-time changes.
Top scorer and Player-of-the-Year, Katie Wilkinson, introduced at the break, needed only a few minutes to make her mark, heading home from a Jodi McLeary corner five minutes after the restart.
Wilkinson’s introduction proved decisive, as Crichton’s side began to assert control in the second half after a flat opening period.
The striker’s influence was further evidence of her importance to Rangers’ attacking threat in crucial moments.
“If you don’t want to work hard and track back, look like you’re hungry to win this kind of game, we won’t tolerate that,” Crichton added, reflecting on the team’s overall performance.
The result was finally put beyond doubt in stoppage time when Wilkinson converted from the penalty spot after Montrose substitute Erin Henderson fouled Laura Berry, sealing her brace and confirming Rangers’ passage to yet another final.
The league title picture
In the league, Rangers, like their male counterparts, trail league leaders Hearts by four points with three to go.
They travel to Partick Thistle on Sunday for their penultimate away fixture, whilst Hearts travel to Celtic.
Rangers will require a favour from their Old Firm rivals to claw back the gap.
The Gers then face both Celtic and Glasgow City in their final two, while Hearts have City in their second-to-late fixture, before a final day derby against champions Hibernian.
