- Rangers’ women’s team handed Glasgow City their first loss of the season last weekend in the SWPL
- And now Crichton is looking to build on that victory and secure the first silverware of the campaign
Rangers manager Leanne Crichton is quietly confident that last weekend’s league win over Glasgow City can set the foundations for victory at Fir Park this afternoon as the first silverware of the season is up for grabs.
The Ibrox side are up against Glasgow City with pressure on both teams; City have been impervious so far this term with last weekend’s defeat courtesy of a 91st minute penalty their first loss of the season. Getting the win to recalibrate will be vital for the title run-in. For Rangers, it is the chance of a first managerial trophy for Crichton as well as an opportunity to win the competition for a fourth successive time.
Whoever walks away with this afternoon’s trophy will fancy that a treble remains a tantalising possibility.
‘I think [last weekend’s win] was a confidence boost to our season that we probably needed,’ said Crichton. ‘It’s over to us now. We need to deal with that kind of pressure that we’ve put ourselves under.
‘And the cup gives us a real good opportunity to go in with that first piece of silverware, something that these players have experienced over the last number of seasons here. The cups have been really positive for the club.
‘I think for us at this stage the fact we can still win all three competitions is probably a real credit to the group. And I can’t stress that enough. There are huge expectations around the club.
Crichton is targeting silverware against Glasgow City at Fir Park
‘I don’t think you can be at Rangers without the pressure and expectation that you deliver silverware. We’re winners, ultimately. Both teams that go and compete this Sunday are winners.
‘The women’s game is in the best place it’s been for decades. It’s so super competitive. For us to be here on Sunday and looking to try and regain that trophy for me is absolutely excellent for the group. But with that comes also the added pressure of winning. I know that group, I know that Glasgow City group, they’ll be desperate to go and do that as well. So we know what is at stake here.
As frustrated as Ross was with the award of the penalty last weekend, she has also been irked at recent performance levels against Rangers and Celtic.
‘We want to turn up with a better version of ourselves,’ said the Glasgow City manager. ‘The players want to get their hands on any silverware that is available and this is the first Cup that is on offer.
‘Games between us all season have been tight and I don’t think it will be any different. It will be competitive and both teams will go for it.’
City, the most decorated team in the country, have not won this competition for a decade – and haven’t won any of the cup competitions for seven years.
‘It’s an opportunity for the players to go and be successful,’ said Ross. ‘It is up to the players to go and write another chapter in the club’s history. There is a hunger to go and lift every trophy that is available. They are focused and together and they have every motivation to go and get their hands on the trophy today.”
