Hibs 'back where they belong' in SWPL Cup final

Hibernian are two points clear at the top of the SWPL table

SWPL Cup final: Hibernian v Rangers

Venue: Fir Park, Motherwell Date: Saturday, 22 March Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland & Sounds, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app

Hibernian boss Grant Scott is looking to take the club "back where they belong" in Saturday's SWPL Cup final against Rangers.

Taking a look at the SWPL table, you would be forgiven for thinking you had jumped back in time as Hibernian sit proudly at the top.

Even last weekend's top-of-the table encounter between the Edinburgh club and Glasgow City had the feel of the 2010s about it - when there was only one occasion between 2013 and 2019 that the sides did not finish as the top two.

But no, the year is 2025 and Hibs are well placed to pick up their first piece of silverware since 2019 which, funnily enough was the SWPL Cup.

It has been a rapid rise for Grant Scott's side in the past year. Last season, they finished fifth, eight points behind Hearts in fourth and 36 off top spot.

Fast forward 10 months and Hibs moved to the summit with an added-time winner against Glasgow City on Sunday. They are two points clear of Rangers, who also won at the weekend.

"The aim, especially when I returned to the club and some of the players that we've brought in, was to get our women's side back to that level of competition," Scott said.

"To compete deep into the competitions like that. So, I think if we win it [the SWPL Cup], it gives us a good marker that we've done our jobs well.

"I don't think losing it has the [opposite effect], I still think we've done well to get where we are.

"The league's changed so much, the competition's much fiercer, but I think winning it just gives us that stamp of approval that we've done what we set out to do.

"And puts, for me, Hibs Women back to where they were and where I rightly believe they should be."

But the manager is not getting ahead of himself and knows how quickly things can change.

"I think looking too far ahead is dangerous because I think what we're doing this year is showing that we can compete," he added.

"What it does is it shows we can do it this year. What comes next, I think other teams will evolve and we'll need to do that to stay competitive because it's very difficult."

Treble still on for Rangers

While some could argue Rangers will be favourites for the trophy - they won it and the Scottish Cup last year - they are yet to overcome the Edinburgh outfit this season.

Hibs were 3-0 winners at Broadwood last time out and the previous meeting was a 1-1 draw.

"We always knew that Hibs had that potential," Rangers manager Jo Potter said.

"What was more surprising for me is it's lasted so long, the consistency of it, which is great for them.

"We want to be the ones to stop it, obviously, and lift a trophy."

Since that defeat by Hibs just before Christmas, Rangers have been practically unstoppable in the league.

They have scored 43 goals in their six games since the turn of the year and have only dropped points on one occasion - a 2-2 draw with Hearts.

They are also the only team still in with a shout of completing a domestic treble - something still very much in Potter's sights.

"No matter if we want to get away from that fact we can't because we'll always hear about it," she added.

"We were so close to doing it last year and we don't need it to be the elephant in the room.

"We need to make sure that we know it's a possibility and that's what we want to strive for."