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Rangers Advance to Women’s Scottish Cup Final with Decisive Victory Over Aberdeen
In a standout performance, Jane Ross netted a hat-trick as Rangers overwhelmed Aberdeen 5-0, securing their place in the Women’s Scottish Cup final against Glasgow City on May 25.
The match showcased Rangers’ dominance, outperforming Glasgow City’s prior semi-final win against Motherwell, which ended 4-0. However, the scoreline did not fully encapsulate the match dynamics, as Rangers faced a more competitive challenge than the result suggests.
Alongside Ross, Rio Hardy and Lizzie Arnot also found the back of the net, contributing to a strong team effort. Rangers started the match with significant pressure; despite Aberdeen goalkeeper Annalisa McCann and her defense initially thwarting attempts from Arnot and Katie Wilkinson, the underdogs’ resilience crumbled just nine minutes into the game.
A quick run down the right flank by Mia McAulay led to the opening goal, with Ross scoring from close range.
As the game unfolded, Aberdeen managed a notable attack when Kerry Beattie surged down the wing, delivering a promising ball to Francesca Ogilivie. However, 15-year-old May Cruft of Rangers, making her second competitive start, skillfully defended against the threat.
In the 33rd minute, Arnot had a prime opportunity to extend Rangers’ lead but missed a chance she would typically convert with ease. Instead, it was Hardy who scored the second goal. After McCann ventured out for a long ball, Ross intercepted and selflessly squared the ball for Hardy, who rolled it into an empty net, marking a key moment that proved disappointing for Aberdeen, who had been showing signs of growth in the match.
Rangers increased their advantage early in the second half when substitute Brogan Hay directed a header to Ross, who controlled the ball with her chest before finishing with precision.
As fatigue began to settle in among the Aberdeen players against their full-time opponents, the Rangers maintained their attacking momentum. Notably, Eva Thompson executed a brilliant tackle, stopping Cruft from taking a shot as the game progressed.
Rangers ultimately added flair to their victory. Ross completed her hat-trick by following up on a rebound off McCann’s save from Arnot, capitalizing on the opportunity almost on the goal line.
In the dying minutes, Ross turned playmaker, providing Arnot with a close-range opportunity, culminating in the final goal.
Despite the loss, Aberdeen will take away valuable lessons from their inaugural Hampden appearance as they strive to secure their top-flight status. Meanwhile, Rangers, although not at their peak, continue their journey to the Scottish Cup final—marking their third in consecutive seasons—and retain hopes of achieving a domestic treble after clinching the SWPL Cup in March.
Looking ahead, Rangers are set to face Glasgow City again in an upcoming SWPL match, with the details slated for live coverage on BBC Alba, iPlayer, and the BBC Sport platforms.
Currently, Rangers trail SWPL leaders Hibernian by just two points while holding a narrow lead over City with one point advantage.
Source
www.bbc.com