Celtic end Hibs’ monopoly on cup to set up City clash

CELTIC came back from a goal down to beat holders Hibernian 2-1 and reach next month’s SWPL Cup final at Firhill. They will play Glasgow City, who beat Spartans 3-0 at Forthbank Stadium.

Rachel Boyle scored the goal of the afternoon when she put Hibs ahead after only 12 minutes. After being set up by Alexa Coyle and Shannon McGregor, the right-back sent a powerful shot into the top far corner.

Celtic made two changes at the start of the second half and found an equaliser through Jacynta two minutes later. The winner was scored by Charlie Wellings 11 minutes from time when she lashed the ball past Gabby English from 12 yards.

It was Hibs’ first defeat in the competition since they lost to Glasgow City in the 2015 final.

In the earlier game, City were given a tough match by a Spartans side they had demolished 9-0 in the league last month. The opening goal did not arrive until the hour and was a wellworked effort with Mairead

Fulton threading the ball forward for Priscila Chinchilla to slip it past Spartans goalkeeper Rachel Harrison.

The second followed just 120 seconds later with Hayley Lauder getting a touch to ensure Julia Molin’s shot ended up in the net. Spartans’ Louise Mason was sent off for a second yellow card four minutes from time and Chinchilla took advantage with an acrobatic finish from a Tyler Dodds cross to complete the scoring.

“I’m absolutely delighted to get the win and go into the final, but not happy in terms of the first half,” City head coach Eileen Gleeson said after her first match in charge. “We had a very open discussion at half time and it improved in the second half.”