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Rangers sealed a domestic cup double by strolling to a first Scottish Cup with a dominant win over Hearts at a soaked Hampden.

With the League Cup already in the cabinet, Jo Potter's side shrugged off their SWPL title loss to overcome their well-organised opponents from the capital.

A magnificent Rachel McLauchlan strike punctured an evenly-matched first half and, while the nerves at the narrow scoreline increased as time ticked on, the ever-reliable Lizzie Arnot arrowed the Glasgow side to glory.

In what was Hearts first major final, they will be encouraged by their showing but they were simply outclassed by the superior side.

Rangers' resources, finances and expectations had them as heavy favourites heading into their fourth Scottish Cup final, but Hearts hardly appeared bothered by that in the opening stages.

The underdogs were not there simply to take part - they were there to compete. Or to at least ensure Rangers did not romp to the victory that many expected.

Eva Olid's defence were defiant and it didn't take long to realise something special would be required to spoil their strong start. Cue McLauchlan.

The Scotland right-back was gifted a few yards in what would be deemed a safe range from goal. However she unleashed an unbelievable strike, worthy to win any game never mind her club's first Scottish Cup.

Those who follow this team know that after they score first, a few more tend to follow.

That wasn't to be the case at a dreich national stadium, but Potter's players certainly upped their play.

Kirsty Howat, who will hope to make her international debut here on Friday in Scotland's Euro 2025 qualifier against Israel, tested Charlotte Parker-Smith.

Substitutes Rio Hardy and Rachel Rowe were also denied superbly by the league's goalkeeper of the year.

She was doing her bit to keep the nerves jangling in the Rangers ranks, but her team-mates couldn't match her heroics up the other end.

Carly Girasoli forced an otherwise quiet Victoria Esson into a fingertip save, and there was a feeling in the air that one had to be buried.

Alas it wasn't, but Arnot's composed shot was. Her experience carried her to the edge of the area to shoot her side to Scottish Cup success.

Player of the match - Rachel McLauchlan (Rangers)

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After a strike like that, who else could it be? A top performance from the right-back on the big stage.

Rangers banish ghosts at Hampden - analysis

Rangers came to Hampden with some ghosts to banish.

Not only had they missed out on the league title by the finest of margins, but you could say it was a defeat to Hearts that saw the race move out of their control.

By putting the game Edinburgh side to the sword, they made it two trophies out of three in Potter's first season in charge. Not too shabby.

But Olid's side will travel home with pride in their performance.

Some of the defending against full-time opposition was truly immense, as was Parker-Smith in between the sticks.

The wait goes on for a first piece of silverware, but on another day, Hearts could have made history.

What they said

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Rangers head coach Jo Potter: "You can see what it means to the players. We've never won this cup before so to give it a new home is big.

"I bang on about how good they are, and we just keep going and who knows what we can do.

"It's a tremendously proud moment. There was a bit of pressure because we were expected to win but good players have got to play with a little bit of pressure."

Rangers captain Nicola Docherty: "I'm incredibly proud of the players. This group is special. We found a way to win and that's why we're champions.

"I still get goosebumps thinking about it [lifting a trophy with Rangers].

"I've been a Rangers fan since I was a kid so to have moments like this could bring a tear to my eye because I love this club and I love these people."#

Hearts manager Eva Olid: "I'm so proud. First half I thought we were a little deep. Second half we tried to be brave and I think we were better.

"We're going a step forward in this team. I know this is just the beginning. Our first final, we will come back. I'm sure we can win the next one."

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