Page 12 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.14 2022-23

Rangers 2 (Arnot 16, Howat 73)
Hibernian 0
att: 3,747; at Tynecastle Park
Rangers were the winners of the inaugural Sky Sports
Cup Final after proving to be too strong for Hibernian
in front of just under 4,000 at Tynecastle Park.
The trophy is the first of a potential ‘treble’ for
Malky Thomson’s side and the result was a fitting one
after controlling the game from start to finish, despite
the best efforts of the Hibs players.
The match was played in front of a record
attendance for the competition and was shown live
on Sky Sports, the first time that the channel has
shown a Scottish women’s domestic match as it was
being played.
Rangers were quickly into their stride from the
start but were dealt a blow on nine minutes when Krystyna Freda is challenged by Kathryn Hill
Jenny Danielsson was forced off because of injury and (Malcolm McKenzie).
she was replaced by Sam Kerr.
Kayla McCoy headed wide from close range after being picked out by a pinpoint cross
from Brogan Hay but three minutes later, they took the lead in stunning fashion.
Receiving a headed ball forward, Lizzie Arnot drove at the Hibs defence before
unleashing a powerful strike from just outside the area which sailed over Benedicte
Haaland and into the far top corner.
Arnot continued to cause problems for her former club and a good run down the right
ended with her finding Hay in the area, where she shot straight at Haaland.
Tessel Middag twice fired efforts over the bar whilst at the other end, Jenna Fife came
out to gather a free kick from Ellis Notley as Hibs tried to work their way back into the
game. Half time came with Rangers still in the ascendancy and leading by Arnot’s goal.
There was an early chance to Rangers as play got underway again in the second half
as McCoy was fouled by Joelle Murray just outside the area but Middag’s resulting shot
was driven straight into the wall. Minutes later, an inswinging corner by Arnot was met at
the far post by Kathryn Hill whose header drifted wide.
McCoy headed wide from a Nicola Docherty cross but Hibernian continued to work
hard and fashioned their best chance of the game when Krystyna Freda did well to find
space in the area from Rosie Livingstone’s pass and her shot was saved by Fife.
Haaland made a good save to keep out a free kick from Middag who had another effort
stopped shortly afterwards, when a shot by Arnot had been deflected into her path.
Rangers introduced Kirsty Howat as a substitute and she almost made an instant
impact, cutting inside before driving a shot from 25 yards which crashed against the bar.
Arnot followed up for the rebound but had more time than she realised and blazed the ball
over the bar.
Just three minutes later, Rangers got the second goal that they craved to take a firm
grip on the game. Hay broke strongly down the right and found Howat in the area, where
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