It was an all too familiar feeling as Rangers once again fell to defeat against Celtic despite having the majority of the ball and chances. It was a meek exit from the SWPL Cup for Malky Thomson’s side who once again failed to deliver when it really mattered.
Rangers started the game playing very deep and allowing Celtic the majority of the ball. Chances were few and far between but the play of the game went against what was expected as it was the visitors knocking the ball about and the hosts backing off.
The first real chance did fall to Celtic. An onrushing Celtic forward rounded Jenna Fife before sending the ball towards the gaping goalmouth. Thankfully, Brianna Westrup got back in time to stop the ball crossing the line.
As the half progressed Rangers grew into the game and finished the half the stronger. Lizzie Arnot passed up on a big chance after the goal seemed to be put on a plate for her after nice play down the right wing from Rachel McLauchlan and Kirsten Reilly.
Brianna Westrup was found in acres of space at the back post by a Demi Vance corner but her powerful header was taken well by Logan in the Celtic goal.
Zoe Ness came on for Kayla McCoy at the start of the second period and she almost made an immediate impact. Ness was picked out by a superb ball to the back post by Westrup. It looked like Ness’ side footed shot was destined for the far corner but the ball trickled narrowly past the post.
Rangers were made to pay for the missed opportunities as Wellings put Celtic ahead just before the hour mark. A speculative low shot from distance was completely misjudged by Fife and the visitors were presented with a gift to open the scoring.
Rangers kept pressing and Ross came close as she lobbed Logan from the edge of the box but the ball once again fell the wrong side of the post. Substitute Chelsea Cornett then forced Logan into the save of the game as she saw her long range effort saved spectacularly and tipped onto the bar and out for a corner.
Rangers continued to huff and puff but the result seemed inevitable as soon as the opening goal was scored. There was a distinct feeling that this film has been viewed before and all too often. Rangers again failed to play at their optimum, failed to play with the intensity that is expected during an Old Firm game and failed to get the result.
This is now very much a thing. Since turning professional, Rangers have now played Glasgow City and Celtic eight times and won once. That includes a run of four consecutive defeats against Celtic in which we have only scored once. That by any metric is not good enough for a Rangers team.
Rangers will travel to Celtic in the league next Sunday and if the stats above become nine and five then serious questions will need to be asked? How long can the current set up continue without winning any games of importance?
