Rangers reach fourth consecutive Women's Scottish Cup final after beating Montrose

Holders Rangers will face rivals Celtic in their fourth consecutive Women's Scottish Cup final after a 2-0 victory over brave Montrose at Hampden. Following an even first half in which huge underdogs Montrose repeatedly frustrated the favourites but failed to create any clear chances, Rangers eventually went ahead in the 51st minute. Katie Wilkinson, the top scorer in Scotland this season, came on at half-time and her impact was immediately felt as she nodded in a Jodi McLeary corner. The striker was part of a triple change that included the removal of Dutch midfielder Quinty Sabajo, who was lucky to still be on the pitch after two strong challenges in the first half that only resulted in a yellow card. Craig Feroz's Montrose side continued to impress, but could not turn their pressure into opportunities, with the best sight of goal coming when Demi Taylor's strike from distance was easily saved by Rangers goalkeeper Jenna Fife. Leanne Crichton's side did their best to force a goal that would kill off the tie. Calliste Brookshire clipped the crossbar before Wilikinson added some gloss to the scoreline with a penalty in the last seconds after Montrose substitute Erin Henderson clattered into the back of Laura Berry. Rangers have lifted the trophy for the past two seasons, beating Glasgow City and Hearts in 2025 and 2024 respectively. They will now look to make it three in a row with victory over Old Firm rivals Celtic at Hampden on 31 May. Rangers head coach Leanne Crichton: "Tough game, we always knew it would be. Montrose are a tough nut to crack. The reality is they marginally missed out on the top six. They've been a real handful this season. "I'd love to say we've had consistency in preparing for it, but losing the players we did heading into this meant we needed to reshape things. "We tried to be a bit braver in terms of the starting line-up, players who've not had a lot of minutes, but it didn't work. That's a lesson learned for us. "I was really disappointed with the collective [in the first half], our use of the ball. If you don't want to work hard and track back, and look like you're hungry to win this kind of game, and get to a Cup final, we won't tolerate that." Montrose manager Craig Feroz: "First half we were excellent and I don't think there was much in it then. Usual story, players tired in the second half and credit to Rangers, they went and did the job. "Our shape was excellent, the fans were giving Rangers a bit of stick because we were closing them down well. I'm really, really proud of them. "I've got nothing but pride for the team. Rangers are a really good side, they're in the final and deservedly so, but I'm really proud of them."