Celtic FC Women have been defeated 2-0 by their Rangers counterparts in the Women’s Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.
The result is a deeply disappointing one for Celtic, who had still been shooting for a league and cup double ahead of kick-off.
Rangers started brightly but in truth it was a typically cagey opening 45 minutes, given the occasion, with neither side showing the quality required to deserve a half-time lead.
As space opened up in the second half it became a more intriguing affair as the Ghirls defended stoutly for long periods and started connecting in possession a little more fluidly, but the frustration continued.
Tash Flint was close to scoring a stunning volley in the 69th minute, while goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty was called into action in the Celtic goalmouth on a couple of occasions.
Late collapse for Celtic Women vs Rangers
Unfortunately, there was late heartbreak for the Hoops when Chelsea Cornet headed home from a curled Rachel Rowe corner to net the crucial winner.
Then, as Celtic pushed for an equaliser, Rangers countered and Kirsty Howat was able to dink a lob over Daugherty to put the result beyond doubt.
There’s no time to dwell too much on the result with the challenges coming thick and fast for Elena Sadiku’s team.
Next up for Celtic is a massive league match at home to Glasgow City on Wednesday night before again facing Rangers the following bank holiday Monday.
Those two games will have a big say on the direction of the SWPL 1 silverware this season with Sadiku’s side currently two points ahead of second-placed Rangers and six points ahead of City.
There’s still loads to play for this season as the Ghirls hunt for their first-ever league title win.
