Rangers complete domestic cup double with victory over Hearts

Rachel McLaughlan and Lizzie Arnot scored in the 2-0 victory at Hampden.

PA Media

26th May 2024

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Rachel McLauchlan’s wondergoal helped Rangers complete a domestic cup double with a 2-0 win over Hearts in the SWF Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.

McLauchlan picked out the top corner with an unstoppable strike in the 24th minute before Lizzie Arnot added a second with four minutes of the 90 left.

Nic Doherty had sent an early shot wide after Hearts goalkeeper Charlotte Parker-Smith survived a scare of her own making when she slipped attempting a clearance in the seventh minute, but McLauchlan made the breakthrough in considerable style.

The 26-year-old, back in the Scotland squad, had a chance for a second moments later when the ball came to her on the edge of the area, but she could not keep her shot down.

Hearts’ Carly Girasoli sent a header straight at the goalkeeper before Rangers threatened again late in the half, with Chelsea Cornet squandering a chance when through on goal.

The 16-year-old Husband twins caught the eye for Hearts in the second half but it was again Rangers who were on top, with substitute Rio Hardy twice going close before Parker-Smith made a fine save to deny Cornet.

Girasoli forced Vic Esson into a late save with an improvised effort from a Hearts free-kick, but Arnot had the final word in the 86th minute, picking her spot in the bottom left corner with a shot from the edge of the area.