As Emma Lawton strode across the technical area, threw off her shirt and screamed in frustration, the smart money would have been on Rangers continuing their long winning sequence against Celtic.
By that stage of the game – approaching the hour mark – Lawton’s dismissal for a second foul in quick succession felt like it would be pivotal. Clinging on to a one goal lead that came via Morgan Cross against a team they have been spooked by across recent seasons as Rangers dominated possession, it looked like a familiar pattern was emerging.
That Celtic bucked the trend to end their Rangers jinx with a 1-0 win at Hampden as they signed off for the season with the Scottish Gas Women’s Scottish Cup means that Grant Scott claims the first silverware of his tenure at the club and Celtic’s first silverware since they won the league in 2024. Where they go with it will be interesting.
It was a first win over Rangers for Celtic since March 2024 – a sequence that stretched to a 12-game run and a run that made for a perennial line of questioning in the build-up to these games.
“It's never been something I've carried,” said Scott. “I think mentally for the players, it maybe lingers around but we were focussed every time we played Rangers. I never thought there was ever an indication that we couldn't do it. Look, it's a non-story now, we move on.
“We know that we can challenge every team out there, we've beaten every single team at the top of the league to win this trophy. That is the positive we can take out of today.”
Rangers’ numerical disadvantage was insufficient to take them over the line on a day when they dominated much of the ball but failed to create too many genuine chances in front of goal. Celtic were tenacious and industrious as they restricted Rangers, working their socks off to close down space and get on top of players, all the more so following Lawton’s dismissal.
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For Leanne Crichton, it is a first season in charge at the club that ends empty-handed and Rangers’ first season without a trophy since 2021.
The Ibrox side remained on the park to see Celtic lift the Cup in front of their own small band of supporters while the partying from the Hoops dressing room could be heard as Rangers conducted their post-match press duties.
“On three occasions now the group have been super respectful to the opposition,” said Crichton. “That is something that we pride ourselves on. Win or lose we will show that respect but 100% it should fuel the fire.
“No-one wants to stand pitchside and watch your biggest rival lift silverware, something that you felt you could have gone and won yourself. The players watched that.
“They suffered. And it will be the lasting memory of the season for them. And it is how they digest that. The one thing you can’t coach in football is character and it is up to the players now to go and recognise that, process it and see how they respond.”
Crichton made changes to the team who were humbled by Glasgow City last weekend with the experience of Kathy Hill brought in alongside the exuberance and energy of Mia McAulay.
The youngster was the closest that Rangers came all day to finding a breakthrough with her menace in forward areas troubling at points for Celtic. She whacked an effort off the post after just 11 minutes and proceeded to be at the heart of any forward incursions that Rangers made.
She was central to a late shout for a penalty in the closing moments of the game, too. Claire Walsh got a foot in and, with VAR in operation, there was a tense wait to hear if there would be a trip to the monitor.
McAulay could be seen screaming at referee Abbie Hendry that she had been tripped but the whistler was having none of it.
“I thought it looked 50-50,” said Crichton. “I would need to see it back. It was a game we dominated and we think we should have got something from it but it is what it is. We had VAR team and if there was something to be seen the VAR team and Abbie would come to the right decision.”
There were few genuine chances for either team. McAulay forced a number of saves from Celtic goalkeeper Adelaide Gay while the opener came from the tenacity of Saoirse Noonan.
The Republic of Ireland striker, who may well have played her last game for the club, fought for the ball on the edge of the box. She delivered a cross towards the back post with Cross drifting in ahead of Nicola Docherty to convert from close range.
McAulay tried to restore parity with an effort that was held at the second attempt by as Rangers continued to ask questions of the Celtic defence. Brookshire whipped in a free-kick on top of the Celtic goalkeeper. As the opening period came to a close McAulay again took aim – with Gay once more denying her.
It was the story of the afternoon. Lawton’s dismissal inevitably meant Celtic retreated deeper but they still had a couple of chances to further their lead, most notably when Jenni Smith forced Fife to dive and parry an effort.
Lawton was emotional as she emerged from the tunnel at full-time, embracing her team-mates and dancing on the pitch. Her joy seemed to encapsulate the slim margins that so often characterise any cup finals.
