Rangers 2-0 Hibernian: Arnot screamer steals the show in Sky Sports Cup final
Lizzie Arnot and Kirsty Howat combined helped produce a 2-0 win for Rangers Women over Hibernian Women in the Sky Sports Cup final. This makes Rangers the first side in SWPL history to claim the Sky Sports Cup.
Backed by a loud support in Tynecastle, Rangers got off to a dominant start in the game as Chelsea Cornet led the Gers’ front line in a constant wave of attacks during the first half.
Kayla McCoy came close to grabbing the first goal of the game just 10 minutes in after her close-range header glanced just wide.
Hibernian also created a chance early on as Rosie Livingstone charged up the middle of the pitch before sending a shot just past of the post.
Rangers’ dominant start in the game paid off when Lizzie Arnot put the Blues in front in spectacular style. The ex-Hibee made a drive up the left wing before unleashing an electrifying shot which soared over Benedicte Haaland and into the far corner.
The Blue-Belles continued to dominate the scoring with more chances in the opening half as Kayla McCoy tipped Nicola Docherty’s cross just over the bar.
In the second half, substitute Kirsty Howat made an instant impact in the game as she struck the bar with a loaded effort from outside the box.
Howat then secured the Cup for Rangers shortly after when she released a shot from outside the box that unfurled perfectly into the bottom right corner.
The reigning champions continued to press the Hibs’ defence as Sam Kerr fired a shot in the net which forced Haaland into action late on in the game.
The game ended with a 2-0 score-line as the Rangers players celebrated with their travelling support as they collected the first piece of silverware of the season.
The jubilant Rangers players celebrate (Image: Sam Scouller)
Rangers manager, Malky Thomson said:
“We will enjoy this, there’s always a time to smile and a time to cry and we’ll be smiling tonight.”
“The support today was phenomenal, they’re so instrumental to us. The relationship between them and the players is really special too. It encompasses what Rangers Football Club is all about.
“There are more expectations building of us and that brings pressure. I want to welcome that pressure. We’ll know we’re winning if we’re feeling more pressure.”
Thomson commented on Arnot’s strike saying: “The skill level she showed to beat the defender and then put it in the top corner, I don’t think Hibs would’ve had any chance to defend that.”
Lizzie Arnot spoke on her goal saying: “It was just really amazing and something I’ll never forget.
“They sometimes end up miles away but luckily this one went into the top corner and it was just a great feeling to do that in a cup final with all the fans in the stadium.”
Hibs’ midfielder, Shannon McGregor said: “It’s devastating, especially with the history of the club and for the players who have been here for a while, it’s probably more difficult.
“We weren’t good enough and I think we can all admit that. Rangers did really well to capitalise on our mistakes.
“There are always positives to take from a defeat, but I just feel like there wasn’t enough belief in the team today like we had before.”
After his side’s loss, Hibernian manager, Dean Gibson said:
“That Rangers side is the best this league has seen. We had a very young starting XI today, when you have a squad that’s so young, they have to take a step back and appreciate the magnitude of what they’ve just played in.
“We need to use this experience to make sure when we get back to this stage, we’re feeling a lot happier by the end of the game.”
The Hibernian players console each other after their heartbreaking defeat (Image: Sam Scouller)
Speaking on Arnot’s opener, Gibson said: “It was quite a wonder strike, to be honest, she hit it right on the money. It was at that moment we realised our luck wasn’t there today. It would be harsh to criticise my defence on a goal like that.”