RANGERS, who were knocked out of the League Cup and Scottish Cup by Celtic last season, beat their oldest rivals 2-1 to win the first-ever City of Glasgow Women's Cup match at the Excelsior Stadium yesterday. Although Rangers captain Nicola Docherty was presented with the new trophy the game was billed as a showpiece occasion and the competition proper won't start until next pre-season.
Rangers dominated the first half and took the lead through Sam Kerr on the half hour. Before the Scotland midfielder found the net with a powerful strike from inside the box, Lizzie Arnot, Kayla McCoy, new German midfielder Dina Orschmann and Chelsea Cornet had all come close to opening the scoring.
Celtic, who had barely troubled another Rangers summer signing, New Zealand goalkeeper Victoria Esson, unexpectedly equalised just before half time. Their midfield recruit from Hibernian, Amy Gallacher, set up the chance and Clarissa Larisey scored at the near post.
The second half was a disjointed affair with both sides introducing numerous substitutes, and what proved to be the winner arrived after 55 minutes. McCoy sent over a corner from the right and Celtic captain Kelly Clark appeared to deflect the ball into her own net.
Both sides were missing key players, including Rangers striker Jane Ross, who watched the game on crutches. It was confirmed after the match that she suffered an ACL rupture in a friendly against Spartans and is now likely to miss most of the season.
Ross, who is top scorer in the current Scotland squad with 62 goals, could be back for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next summer if the national side qualifies. Celtic's top scorer from last season Charlie Wellings also took no part in yesterday's game, and nor did influential midfielder Sarah Harkes.
