Match Report: Rangers 2-0 Hearts

Hearts’ Scottish Cup journey ended in defeat at Hampden Park on Sunday as Rangers ran out 2-0 winners to lift the trophy.

Eva Olid made one change from last weekend’s league finale against Glasgow City as Ciara Grant replaced Jenna Penman.

The women in maroon had made history just by reaching the final but came into the match full of confidence following a recent league victory over the Gers.

In typical cup final fashion, it was a cagey beginning with nerves on show from both sides. Much of Rangers’ attacking intent was coming down the right-hand side with Rachel McLaughlan looking to get round on the overlap to support Brogan Hay.

The first real chance fell to Gers’ skipper Nicola Docherty after 8 minutes. Hay’s cross came all the way through to the back post where Docherty was waiting, she chopped inside onto her right foot, but curled her effort wide of Parker-Smith’s goal.

Hearts had eased themselves into the game but were hit with a sucker punch on 24 minutes as Rachel McLaughlan fired home the opening goal of the game from 30-yards.

The Jambos’ best chance of the first half fell to Carly Girasoli. She got her head to Sade Adamolekun’s corner, but her header was straight at Gers keeper Victoria Esson.

Rangers were pushing for a second goal just before the interval and Kirsty Howat almost provided it. Hearts lost possession in a dangerous area and when Hay flicked the ball on to Howat, it was an excellent covering challenge from Emma Brownlie to put the striker off, resulting in her effort flying off target.

Half-time: Rangers 1-0 Hearts

Into the second half and Hearts were defending desperately to keep Rangers out. Parker-Smith continued to be busy, quickly off her line to deny Rio Hardy just after the hour mark.

Rachel Rowe was next to go close for the Gers and after rounding Parker-Smith, she was denied by an excellent goal-saving tackle from Monica Forsyth.

As the clock ticked past the 70-minute mark, Hearts remained well in the contest, mainly down to Parker-Smith, who produced another excellent save to claw Howat’s effort away from goal, from virtually under her own crossbar.

The chance the Jambos were waiting for came and went ten minutes from time. Emma Brownlie’s set piece was flicked on by Lizzie Waldie and into the path of Carly Girasoli. From an acute angle, she forced Esson into a stunning reflex save.

That felt like Hearts’ moment and just four minutes later, Rangers got the second goal to kill off the contest as Lizzie Arnott found the bottom corner to ensure the trophy stayed in Glasgow.

Rangers: Esson, Docherty ©, McLauchlan, Hill, Middag, Hay, Howat, Arnot, Cornet, Maclean, McLoughlin

Subs: Fife, Rowe, Hardy, Bance, Ross, McAulay, Austin, Ewens, McLeary

Hearts: Parker-Smith, Brownlie ©, Grant, Forsyth, Lockwood, Waldie, Adamolekun (Rennie, 59), Girasoli (Penman, 90), McGovern, E. Husband (Michie, 90), J. Husband (Mooney, 83)

Subs: Johnstone, Penman, Rennie, Mooney, Michie, Chomczuk, Fraser

Attendance: 4,372