Rangers Women’s manager Jo Potter insists she never felt her team was in danger, despite the fact that two late goals against bitter rivals Celtic assured them a place in the Scottish Cup final.
The Light Blues had the best of the chances, but they had to wait until the 85th minute to take the lead, as Chelsea Cornett rose to her feet and skillfully headed in from a corner. A minute later, Kirsty Howat finished off the victory with a brilliant lob that beat Hoops goalie Kelsey Daugherty.
Rangers goalkeeper Potter felt her team was always in control, even if they left it late in the Hampden sunshine. She cited her club’s higher fitness levels than their Old Firm rivals. She claimed in an interview with BBC Scotland: “I wasn’t concerned. We are fitter, I’m sure. I anticipated additional opportunities. At half-time, I told the players that I couldn’t recall a moment when they caused us any concern.
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“Whoever wanted to be the player had to go up and take that opportunity—the game was open for grabs. They only appeared dangerous when they tried to get pieces and slam the ball into the area, but we were equally as skilled in that regard. Chelsea’s header was outstanding.
“I wasn’t scared because, to me, the most important thing was that we were creating opportunities. There are four excellent strikers on our roster, and replacements always have an impact.”
However, Celtic manager Elena Sadiku says she was extremely upset with her team’s cowardly surrender of their chance to win a domestic double. With five games left, Celtic had a two-point lead over Rangers at the top of the SWPL. “We weren’t on, it’s not the Celtic I’m used to seeing, and we didn’t deserve to win,” the woman remarked.
“We tried to start well in the second half after a poor first half, but we ultimately succumbed from a set piece. The main difference—and the reason for my great disappointment—was that my thinking was off today.
“I want to make sure that I never let this happen again and that I learn from it. This is insufficient if our goal is to win championships.”
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