Scottish Women's Football

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Women's Scottish Cup final: Glasgow City v Rangers

When: Sunday 25 May Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow Kick-off: 14:00 BST

Coverage: Watch live on BBC One Scotland and BBC Sport website & app

Departing Glasgow City captain Jo Love will consider whether to continue her playing career after the Scottish Cup final on Sunday.

The Hampden showpiece against Rangers is the 39-year-old's final game for City but she is unsure what the future holds.

"I'm not sure whether I would want to stop at this point," Love said. "But we'll see if my body agrees or not with me.

"My contract is finished at the end of this season. I'll need to sit down and see what next year brings."

Love feared her career was over when she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury aged 36. It took the midfielder 782 days to recover, returning to play in January last year.

"I can't believe I'm here and I'm really privileged to still be in this situation and being able to fight for this trophy on Sunday," she said.

"I suffered a few injuries after I had done my anterior cruciate ligament as well. It probably took me a bit longer to recover than it's taken other players who are younger than me."

Love, who is Scotland's most capped player having made 191 international appearances, is eager to add to her honours before she thinks about what lies ahead.

"I was told earlier that I've won 21 trophies, so to have 22 would be a great privilege. It never gets tiring winning trophies," she added.

City finished second in the SWPL, securing a Champions League place, but Love says rounding things off with a Scottish Cup victory would be a fitting end to the campaign, if not her career.

"We've had a successful season," she added. "As a whole we've deserved to get something out of this season. To lift that cup would be just rewards for us."

Image source, SNS

Women's Scottish Cup final: Glasgow City v Rangers

When: Sunday 25 May Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow Kick-off: 14:00 BST

Coverage: Watch live on BBC One Scotland and BBC Sport website & app

This isn't the one either want to be relying on, but it could be the one that effectively saves their season.

Glasgow City have Champions League football to look forward to next term, but are trying to avoid back-to-back seasons without silverware.

Rangers have the League Cup in the cabinet but lost out on the SWPL title and European football, so are vying for a domestic cup double once more.

So, who's in better shape to salvage their season at Hampden in the Scottish Cup final.

Former Scotland goalkeeper and co-commentator for Sunday's game, Gemma Fay, believes "the momentum" lies with her former club City.

Leanne Ross' side comfortably saw off Hearts in the last league game of the season after effectively waving goodbye to their title hopes the week prior in a 2-2 draw with eventual league champions Hibs.

The nine-time Scottish Cup winners were unbeaten in eight of their 10 post-split fixtures, though did suffer defeat to Rangers.

However, Fay favours her old side to extend their record-breaking run in the competition.

"You've got Glasgow City going for their 10th title while Rangers are the defending champions," said Fay on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Then you put the league context against that, Rangers losing to Hibs last week.

"They went into that game on a treble. They left not in Europe and with only a League Cup to show. Now, could you say this could rescue their season?

"The fact they're not in Champions League football is huge, but a win on Sunday would ensure they go out on as much of a high as they can, especially after that disappointment last week.

"You'd have to say that in terms of form, Glasgow City are the form team.

"If you were asking me who could potentially edge that, the momentum is with Glasgow City at this moment in time, so they probably edge it in terms of favourites going into the game."

Sunday, 26 May 2024.

One week after losing the SWPL title on goal difference, Rangers rocked up to Hampden hoping to ease the pain by sealing a domestic cup double.

This Sunday, 25 May, they'll be hoping to do the same thing.

Jo Potter's side lost out on the league - and Champions League football - with defeat to Hibs last weekend. A win at Ibrox would have kept them on-track for the treble, but instead they finished six off Grant Scott's side.

Like last season, the Rangers manager says her side "cannot sulk" as they look to add to their Sky Sports Cup win.

They were heavy favourites last term against a Hearts side making their first appearance in a major final. Their opponents this time around are not so inexperienced.

Nine-time winners Glasgow City not only know a thing or two about trophy lifts, but come into the final in fine form and on a high from securing that second Champions League spot.

City went without silverware last season, they'll be eager to get their hands on some this time around...

Image source, SNS

Women's Scottish Cup final: Glasgow City v Rangers

When: Sunday 25 May Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow Kick-off: 14:00 BST

Coverage: Watch live on BBC One Scotland and BBC Sport website & app

Captain Jo Love will leave Glasgow City after Sunday's Scottish Cup final, ending her 14-year spell at the club.

The 39-year-old, who has made nearly 300 appearances for City and scored 99 goals, says "it's time for everyone to start something fresh".

The midfielder has won 21 major honours with City, including 11 SWPL titles, and took over from current head coach Leanne Ross as captain in 2021.

"It's time for everyone to start something fresh and to see what the next challenge will bring," Love, who is Scotland's most-capped outfield player, said.

"I have stayed at this club for so long because I love the people here. To have experienced so much success with them is something really special."

Love will have the chance to end a trophy-laden spell at the club with one final piece of silverware when City play Rangers in Sunday's Scottish Cup final - live on BBC Scotland.

Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland

Women's Scottish Cup final: Glasgow City v Rangers

When: Sunday 25 May Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow Kick-off: 14:00 BST

Coverage: Watch live on BBC One Scotland and BBC Sport website & app

The Scottish Cup final on Sunday marks the end of the season - and two stellar careers.

Glasgow City forward Fiona Brown and Rangers striker Jane Ross both call time on their playing days in the Hampden showpiece.

The pair are Scotland team-mates and the symmetry doesn't end there. Ross, 35, began her trophy-laden career at City, the club where 30-year-old Brown is calling it a day.

Brown's decision to retire comes after fighting back from four ACL injuries, but she hopes her involvement in football isn't over.

"I've had a long year to think about it. Of course you grapple with the fact that it's so tempting to try and keep going," she told BBC Scotland in the build-up to the final.

"It's probably a decision that's come earlier than what I would have liked but of course there's positives to that as well.

"Whatever comes next is going to be really exciting. I've had a lot of time to think about it. I don't know if it will settle in or be able to be digested until after Sunday.

"I'm young in terms of football and I've still managed to achieve way more than I could have ever dreamed of.

"I'm in a really good physical place but there's risk and unfortunately there's only so many times you can get certain things fixed, and I have probably run the course on that one.

"I want to stay in the game. I'm very comfortable within the women's game, and I feel like I have a lot to give, even if it's not physically on the pitch."

Brown came on in the last ten minutes of her side's 2-0 SWPL win against Hearts last weekend - as City pipped Rangers to second place and a Champions League spot - and says it was a "perfect" day.

"It was important to me mentally to prove that I was retiring as a player and not just walking away injured. That's been stuck in my mind since day one of the rehab that I wanted to do that," she added.

Ross, meanwhile, insists being able to retire at Rangers is "a dream come true."

"It feels like the right time for me. I've loved the career I've had and I've always kind of known the point where it would be the right time," she said.

"I'm looking forward to embracing other aspects of life and looking forward to the future.

"I could only have dreamed of what I have managed to do in my career when I started out at 16 years old at Glasgow City.

"The way the women's game has developed in the time that I've been playing, the 19 years, it's been massive. To see where the game's at now is exciting and I've loved every minute."

Ross hopes to bow out holding the trophy at Hampden, where she has fond memories of the semi-final win over Aberdeen.

"We'll see how Sunday goes, but getting the 90 minutes at Hampden, scoring a hat-trick, it couldn't really have gone much better for me, a very pleasing day," she added.

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross reckons the Women's Scottish Cup final will be contested by two "disappointed teams" as her players and opponents Rangers have failed to meet their main target this season – winning the SWPL.

City though have the consolation of a Champions League place after finishing second in the league, one place above Rangers, who they meet at Hampden on Sunday.

"Obviously, we're both very disappointed in terms of that objective of going and winning the league this season," said Ross.

"The next best thing for us was obviously that second place and guaranteed European football. So, yes, we've come out on top there. But there's still disappointment within our camp."

Ross won the Scottish Cup seven times in her long playing career with City, while Rangers are the holders, having picked up the trophy for the first time last term.

"There's a real excitement about the place in terms of the training ground," added Ross. "The players know that there's jerseys to play for in that starting line-up and the squad. So it's trying to keep them calm and keep their feet on the ground so that the preparations are right.

"This club is synonymous with lifting trophies. It's something that we pride ourselves on in terms of being in the last stages of competitions and being up there fighting right until the end.

"The Scottish Cup in itself is a special competition, especially to the Scottish players and staff. It's something that we've grown up with and the fact that we're now able to play at the national stadium as well just adds a little bit more excitement."

David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Head coach Jo Potter says having the Women's Scottish Cup to look forward has saved Rangers from "an horrendous week."

Her team face Glasgow City at Hampden on Sunday seven days after a defeat to Hibernian at Ibrox – in what was effectively a SWPL title-decider.

"We can't sulk," said Potter. "If we didn't have had a cup final, this week would have been horrendous for us. You come off the back of a massive loss at the weekend. You come crashing down."

Potter believes Rangers can "bounce back" from the failure to beat Hibs, which meant her side finished third in the league and missed out on European football for next season.

"We've got to change the mindset very quickly," she added. "We've got to make sure that we're changing our focus onto another game.

"There was a big trophy on the line Sunday and we didn't manage to turn up and get that one over the line. But we've got another chance again this week."

A win over City would complete a cup double for Rangers, following their Sky Sports Cup final win over Hibs earlier in the season.

Potter says although winning a treble was the aim, securing a double would make it a successful season.

"If we'd have won a treble, I'd have said that would have been unreal," she explained. "We can't make up for what happened in the league. We don't shy away from that. But we've got to put a few things right.

"We've got to make sure that we're proud of our performances. We've not been proud of a lot of performances that we've put on throughout this season. And it hasn't been good enough ultimately.

"We've got a chance to put it right. And when there's a trophy on the line, you've got to do all you can."

On the latest episode of Behind the Goals, Rachel Corsie and Leanne Crichton look back at Hibs' momentous SWPL title win and preview the upcoming Scottish Cup final between Glasgow City and Rangers.

Plus, Corsie gives her reaction to being recalled to the Scotland squad by new head coach Melissa Andreatta.

Listen and subscribe on BBC Sounds

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Noa Schumacher (Hibs): Made a couple of big saves early on in the title shootout match against Rangers. The one to stop Mia Macaulay as she raced through was especially impressive and it set the tone for resilient Hibs' win.

Kimberley Smit (Glasgow City): Brilliant header for City's opening goal against Hearts. Comfortable at the back too and was consistently looking to set up attacks.

Linzi Taylor (Hibs): Scored the winning goal to seal her side's first SWPL in 18 years. And what a goal it was. The defender raced forward and her finish was exceptional. A cool volley.

Siobhan Hunter (Hibs): When Rangers were piling on the pressure the defender put her body on the line to keep them at bay. A typical all-or-nothing performance from a key player for Hibs.

Louise Brown (Montrose): Set up the opener against Dundee United to set Montrose on their way to a huge win as they retained their top-flight status. Also scored their fourth to seal a good end to the season.

Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City): In her 250th appearance for City, the Scotland international's influence was clear. On-point delivery for the opening goal too.

Kirsten Reilly (Hibs): Committed all afternoon, whether it was driving forward or breaking up play. Confident to have a go at goal from 30 yards and was unlucky when her effort cracked the bar.

Lucy Ashworth-Clifford (Celtic): Scored two and provided two assists in the thrashing of Motherwell. Her second strike was all about great pressure and persistence.

Nicole Kazlova (Glasgow City): Great awareness and positioning as she grabbed city's second goal. Could have had more too, was a constant threat.

Kathleen McGovern (Hibs): The striker's commitment was exemplified when she set up the winning goal. She chased the ball, did brilliantly to keep it in play, then floated in a great ball for Taylor. The 22-year-old has had an amazing season and deserved to play a part in such a big goal.

Neve Guthrie (Montrose): Scored a goal and set one up as she played her part in a vital win for Montrose.

Watch SWPL top-six highlights, including Hibs' title win at Ibrox

Watch SWPL bottom-six highlights

We asked you for your views following Hibernian's title-winning heroics at Ibrox.

Here's what some of you had to say:

George: Brilliant, just brilliant. Such a gutsy performance, aligned with loads of skill, across the season.

Enjoy Sunshine on Leith during the summer. Come back refreshed and take all you have into the Champions League.

Stephen: Well done Hibs, an amazing achievement. The feel good factor is alive and kicking at Hibernian.

Steve: I thought that was it for the rest of Scottish women's football when Celtic and Rangers went professional in 2020. How pleased I am to be proved wrong. Well done to all involved at Hibs, an absolutely phenomenal performance from our women.

Happy Hibee: Awesome achievement for Hibs. Many people just won't realise how much of an accomplishment this is. Congratulations, Hibees!

Alan: Well what an end of season for Hibs women, going one better than the men's team and winning the league. Thoroughly deserved and Grant Scott take a bow - what management throughout the season.

This team epitomises what a team can do when they truly are a team together! Fantastic advertisement for the women's game in Scotland. Think I can hear 'Sunshine on Leith' all the way down here in Llangollen!

Image source, SNS

Hibs defender and goal scorer Linzi Taylor tells BBC Scotland: "It doesn't feel real, I don't think it will for a number of days. It's what we've been working for all season.

"A lot of people wrote us off but we knew what we had in the changing room and we knew if we stuck together then anything was possible and I think it's safe to say we were daring to dream.

"It's unbelievable for the club, for everyone involved, this group of players deserve it. It's a collective, the club has given us the backing and we've shown them what we can do. "

Hibs centre-back Siobhan Hunter tells Sky Sports: "Probably at the start nobody thought it, which makes it even sweeter. It was a dream.

"We had a couple of results where we slipped up but when it counted we stood up for one another. It's so special I can't put it into words."

Hibs full-back Lauren Doran-Barr tells HibsTV: "It's surreal. I'm so proud and it's nothing less than we deserve.

"I can't believe we're going to playing Champions League football. It's such an amazing opportunity for us to showcase what we can do on that stage."

Hibs midfielder Ciara Grant tells HibsTV: "So many people didn't think we'd be able to go the whole way but we proved we can and everyone is buzzing.

"Everyone put in every ounce of effort, it was absolutely roasting so its just class and it's such a nice feeling to do it the way we did it."

Image source, SNS

Hibernian head coach Grant Scott: "I think the group of players we've got, we've pushed them to the absolute limit. There's some broken bodies out there and some in the dugout, in the stands.

"I think for us in this kind of modern era of Scottish women's football, that's a massive achievement.

"We'll digest it. We've got a lot of work to do now for the new season and I'm going to demand that these girls look for more. I think it's just the start for us, hopefully.

"There was certainly a point, I think, before December, where we let ourselves down in a couple of games and we kind of felt the external world was almost waiting for us to trip.

"A lot of the players talk about going away to Rangers at Broadwood at the back end of December and having a great performance and a great result as a kind of turning point.

"Personally, I didn't feel it but I thought what it did was it made everyone outside of us as a group take notice a little bit.

"We had to back it up in January when we played Glasgow City and then Celtic and the players did that and that, for me, compounded what I thought we could be.

"But there's no easy games in that post-split, I think our record's good and the players thoroughly deserve their spot at the top now.

"I think what you're seeing now is a Hibs team that has gone through that transformation - a couple of years behind everyone else - and now having had a couple of years almost of full-backing, full-time nature of the players being in the building four or five times a week, all the resources that have been put behind them has given them that platform to compete.

"I think when you get a good group, sometimes it's good choices, sometimes by luck but I think the group have really gelled this season and there's a belief in them and I hope they keep that going."

Image source, SNS

Kathleen McGovern says Hibs proved "why we're league winners" with a battling 1-0 performance at Ibrox.

Grant Scott's side headed into the game knowing a draw would be enough to seal their first league title in 18 years but managed to come out with all three points.

Striker McGovern set up defender Linzi Taylor to volley home the only goal of the game on the 74th minute and secure their first SWPL trophy since 2007.

"I'm a bit lost for words," McGovern said.

"This group is special, you've seen it all season. The consistency throughout the group has been phenomenal all season.

"It was good to grind the result out. It was a wee bit nervy at the end of the game but we put bodies on the line, the players that came off the bench, that just shows why we're league winners.

"We took it one game at a time and did our talking indoors. I think a lot of people had us written off by January but we knew what group we had. We kept working hard and you can see that in the performances.

"We had fire in the belly today, we fought for each other and we've had that all season being the underdogs."

The SWPL trophy is heading to Edinburgh, Hibs' 1-0 win over Rangers at Ibrox was enough to secure their first league title in 18 years.

Elsewhere at the top, Glasgow City snuck in to snatch the European spot from Rangers thanks to their win over Hearts. Meanwhile at the bottom, Spartans were relegated following their 2-1 defeat to Partick Thistle.

What have you made of this SWPL season? Were Hibs deserved winners in the end? What are your predictions for next season?

Have your say

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

The shootout between Hibs and Rangers at the top promises a thrilling conclusion to the SWPL season, but the title isn't the only thing at stake on the final day.

Race for second

Although Glasgow City are all but out of the title race because of their inferior goal difference to Rangers, Leanne Ross' side still have a lot to play for.

Second place will clinch a qualifying spot for next season's Women's Champions League and City - level on points with Rangers - are within touching distance.

First of all, Ross' side need to be Hearts at home. With the three points in the bag, they're almost guaranteed second.

That's because if Rangers lose, City will be three points above them in second place. If Rangers and Hibs draw, City will be two points better off than their Glasgow rivals. If Hibs lose, City will finish above the capital club on goal difference.

If City draw, they can only finish second if Rangers lose to Hibs.

Battle at the bottom

Queen's Park and Dundee United are already relegated but with the restructure of the league, there's still another team to go down.

Montrose occupy the third and final relegation place but they're only two points below Spartans heading into the final game.

Montrose host bottom side United while Spartans are at home to the team currently best of the rest, Partick Thistle.

Montrose have overcome United every time they've met this season and the same goes for last season as well.

Spartans, on the other hand, have failed to beat Thistle this term. They eked out a 1-1 draw in December but apart from that, Thistle have come out on top in the other three meetings, including a Scottish Cup tie.

Best of the rest

The spot at the top of the bottom six - the best of the rest position - is still to be decided.

Thistle, who finished the previous two campaigns in the top six, are currently in seventh but they're only two points clear of Aberdeen.

As mentioned, Thistle are travelling to face Spartans who they haven't lost to this term. The Dons are also on the road, at already-relegated Queen's Park.

The only way for Aberdeen to usurp Thistle in seventh is if the Dons win and Brian Graham's side lose. With SWPL survival at stake for Spartans, that's not out of the question.

How to follow on BBC

BBC Alba have live coverage of Glasgow City's game against Hearts which you can watch on the channel, or on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. That one kicks off at 12:00 BST.

There's Sportsound commentary from Rangers v Hibs' title decider, which also gets under way at 12:00 BST.

As usual, you'll be able to follow live text updates from all the games on the BBC Sport website and app.