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16 teams set off on the road to the SWPL Cup Final back in February and after 14 games in which 73 goals were scored at a rate of 5.2 per game across the competition it is once again Glasgow City and Hibernian that will face off in what will be their third SWPL Cup final encounter in the last six years and their first since 2016 when the Edinburgh side raised the trophy after a 2-1 victory. In fact the Edinburgh side have won every tournament since that victory three years ago with last year’s 9-0 demolition of Celtic providing the biggest final victory in the history of the competition but how did the two sides competing at Airdrie’s Penny Cars Stadium on Friday 10th May get here? This is their Road to the SWPL Cup Final.

February 24th 2019 First Round

Hibernian 1-0 Heart of Midlothian, Ainslie Park

In a repeat of Grant Scott’s side’s 2018 tournament opener the Hibees faced local rivals, SWPL2 Heart of Midlothian. Hibernian, despite their dominance were unable to convert their chances and the deadlock was only broken thanks to a 25 yard effort from midfielder Kirsten Reilly after a string of missed opportunities and saves from Emily Mutch in the Hearts goal. Her top corner effort was enough to see off their Oriam based opponents as the defending champions successfully started their quest to add a sixth SWPL Cup triumph to the honour roll.

St. Johnstone 0-9 Glasgow City, McDiarmid Park

Glasgow City eased into the Quarter Finals with a nine goal demolition of SWPL2 St. Johnstone in Perth. Hat trick’s from Hayley Lauder and Kirsty Howat, along with goals from Nicola Docherty, Jenna Clark and Sam Kerr, with two of Lauder’s goals coming inside the first 8 minutes, ensured the six times winners safe passage into the next round.

March 24th 2019 Quarter Final

Stirling University 0-6 Hibernian, Ochilview

The visiting Hibees would make quick work of current SWPL1 bottom side Stirling University as they booked their Semi Final place with a 6-0 victory at Ochilview. Goals from captain Joelle Murray, Jamielee Napier, Siobhan Hunter and Ashley Fish plus two own goals courtesy of the Uni side’s defence meant that the Ainslie Park outfit were able to comfortably take their place in the final four.

Glasgow City 4-0 Celtic, Petershill Park

In what was arguable the tie of the round City saw off the first of two Old Firm rivals. A double from Republic of Ireland international cap Clare Shine along with goals from Hayley Lauder and Megan Foley completed what in the end would be a routine, but professionally executed win, for Scott Booth’s side.

April 14th Semi Finals

Spartans 0-3 Hibernian, Broadwood Stadium

Hibernian saw off Edinburgh based opponents once again after a hard fought 3-0 win against league rivals Spartans in game one of a SWPL Cup Super Sunday at Clyde FC’s Broadwood Stadium. Goals from Lauren Davidson, Jamielee Napier and Beth Tweedie were enough to book a spot in this year’s final with Grant Scott’s side having done so without conceding a goal.

Glasgow City 5-1 Rangers

Glasgow City completed a comfortable victory over their Govan based opponents but it was a stunning double from Scotland International Nicola Docherty that was the buzz of the terraces come the final whistle. Further goals from Kirsty Howat and Clare Shine ensured that City would go into the break 4-1 to the good with Caitlin O’Hara getting a goal back for Rangers just before half time. Any notion of a comeback was short-lived though as Leanne Ross added a fifth six minutes after the interval to ensure the two most dominant sides of recent Scottish Women’s Football times would face off once again.

For more information on Friday’s final you can follow the SWPL & Scottish Women’s Football social media channels.