Use of Hampden for Scottish Cup final great for women’s game – Claire O’Riordan
Posted Monday, May 29, 2023 by PA
Claire O’Riordan believes the use of Hampden Park for Celtic’s Scottish Cup final win over Rangers is another step in the right direction for the women’s game.
The first time the two sides had met in the final of the competition was also the first time the showpiece finale was hosted at the national stadium where second-half goals from Natasha Flint and O’Riordan saw the Hoops retain the trophy with a 2-0 win.
After the game, watched by a crowd of 10,446, Republic of Ireland international O’Riordan said: “Obviously, that shows a stepping stone in the right direction in the women’s game to be able to put it on such a stage, the progression that the SFA have been able to put into the women’s game and the support and exposure that has come with that.
“It can only mean that the game can utilise that and continue to grow and again, it is really important for women’s football here in Scotland and around the world.”
Celtic missed out on the league title last week after Glasgow City’s dramatic last-gasp winner against Rangers at Ibrox rendered the Hoops’ 2-0 win over Hearts at Celtic Park irrelevant.
O’Riordan said: “Obviously, it was difficult finishing off the season the way we did last week but in some ways, we took the positives, another record crowd at Celtic Park (15,822) and another three points to finish off the league season.
“And we just got back into work as we do every day, every week and we reaped the rewards today.
“It was a tough task but the most important thing was we stuck together and grinded out the result.”
Hoops boss Fran Alonso admitted the victory was “the perfect ending” for his side.
He said: “This week was very hard to pick the girls up, which was our dream.
“Credit to Glasgow City, they deserved it but football was cruel to us.
“We transferred this anger and disappointment into aggression and passion and today – against a superb team – we dominated the game.
“We could have scored more. I am extremely proud and it was what the girls deserved. They never give up and never let me down.
“I told them before game even if we don’t win the game that I was proud of them – they have been 10 out of 10 this season. But that is the perfect ending. It is a very special day for me and my family.”
It was Malky Thomson’s last game as Rangers boss before he returns to the club’s academy.
The Light Blues secured the Sky Sports Cup earlier this season but came third in the league before their Scottish Cup final disappointment.
He said: “You get to the latter stages of any competition and you want to try and win it, so there are a lot of emotions.
“We have given a good account of ourselves across a long, hard season.
“There are fine margins. When you create opportunities you have got to take them.
“I have to say that no matter what, we have always been playing for something this season. That is a major positive.
“We won one trophy, we got to the Scottish Cup final and we came close to retaining the title so there are a lot of positives.
“It is a work in progress. That is three years we have been professional.
“There have been massive expectations at this club. The learning experience they have gained will stand them in good stead for next season.”
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