A second-half goal from Clare Shine and an own-goal gave Glasgow City a 2-0 victory over Rangers and a safe passage to their fifth consecutive Scottish Cup Final.
By Laura Montgomery
Glasgow City Head Coach Scott Booth made seven changes from the side who lined up against Chelsea just last Thursday in the Champions League and despite dominating the majority of possession in the first half, clear cut chances were limited in the opening period of the match. Kerry Montgomery hit a shot from the edge of the box which landed on the roof of the net and Lauren McMurchie shot narrowly wide in the best of the opening exchanges.
Rangers Chelsie Watson had an effort over the bar after a Rangers corner and Susan Fairlie shot wide from the middle of the goal after a good move involving Abbi Grant down the right as both sides looked to open the scoring.
Pictured – Claire Shine fires Glasgow City ahead. (Photo: Andy Buist)
In the second half, Fairlie had another chance to bag the opener, but dragged her effort the wrong side of the post. City did eventually get their noses in front on the 66th minute when a good individual run by Clare Shine saw the Republic of Ireland international striker hold off a strong Rangers challenge before slotting well past Gers keeper Rachael Halbert.
City doubled their advantage and safely booked their place in the Cup Final when the unfortunate Leanne Hughes could do nothing to prevent knocking the ball over her own goal line after a City corner flashed across the 6 yard box.
Commenting on the match, City Head Coach Scott Booth, said, “I am really pleased we got the win. It has been a hard week with obviously Hibs last Sunday in a crucial League match and then Chelsea on Thursday in the Champions League and today’s semi-final. We didn’t play as well as I would have liked, especially in the first half, but we did better after the break and got the job done. We now turn our attentions to Wednesday’s return Champions League match against Chelsea at the Excelsior Stadium.”
City will meet Hibernian in the final at Ainslie Park on the 8th November, after Hibernian defeated Celtic 2-0 in the other semi-final, Chloe Arthur scoring in the first half and and Abi Harrison getting the second after the break.
Glasgow City v Chelsea in the last 32, 2nd leg of the UEFA Women’s Champion League is a 7.30pm kick off at the Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie this Wednesday 14th October. Entry is £10 adult and £5 kids and spectators can pay at the gate on the night.
Pictured top – Rachel Corsie in a crowded Rangers penalty box. (Photo – Andy Buist)
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