Rangers claimed their first SWPL Cup success by beating record holders Hibernian at Tynecastle.
Scotland international Lizzie Arnot opened the scoring with a spectacular first-half strike.
Second-half substitute Kirsty Howat hit the crossbar moments before finding the bottom corner with a cold strike to the box.
Hibs, who has won the trophy seven times, held off pressure from Rangers but failed to test Jenna Fife in goal.
League champions Rangers have been in scintillating form this calendar year – with just one defeat domestically – and unsurprisingly they started their penultimate game of 2022 in sizzling fashion.
It was only a matter of time until the investigation, which was well organized for the first 15 minutes, blew a hole in the Hibs defence.
For the first time, Arnot rounded Leah Eddie in the outside lane, with his sensational shot flying above Benni Haaland’s grip. A real quality moment.
Despite the experience and success of all Hibs in this competition, the bright sparks flashed in the form of youngsters Lucy Parry and Rosie Livingstone, operating on either flank.
When the teams met in the league, Tessel Middag’s stunning free-kick was all that could separate the two. The Dutch midfielder hovered over a few set pieces but came close 10 minutes into the second half when, with her pretty curler on deck, was brought down by Haaland.
The relentless pressure from Rangers did not stop. Kayla McCoy and Brogan Hay missed glorious opportunities before Howat’s introduction swept away any Hibs belief.
A warning shot fired from the crossbar before a silky effort was buried in the far corner just inside the box, sparking a ruckus among the west fans.
Player of the Match – Lizzie Arnot
More soon.
