Celtic comfortably dispatched six-time winners Glasgow City to become the first side through to the SWPL Cup semi-finals.
Midfielder Natalie Ross’ clever header gave Fran Alonso’s side a first-half lead despite City starting the brighter at the Excelsior Stadium.
Amy Gallacher cushioned a second in after the interval to give the hosts breathing space, before Kit Loferski emphatically rounded off the scoring with the goal of the night, lifting the ball over a rooted Lee Gibson.
City never truly threatened Kelsey Daugherty’s goal, and exit before the semi-final stage for the first time in over 13 years.
City’s stalemate with Hearts last weekend was their first dropped league points to a team other than Celtic and Rangers since 2021, so a reaction was demanded by Leanne Ross.
The manager’s former team-mate Hayley Lauder nearly delivered inside the opening minute, but her close-range header from Lauren Davidson’s cross just darted wide.
Celtic were much more clinical on their first venture into the opposition’s box, with the diminutive Ross directing her header beyond Gibson’s reach.
The City goalkeeper was perhaps lucky to only concede one before the break. She appeared to have netted directly from a corner, but a foul was given for an apparent nudge from Paula Partido on the Scotland shot-stopper.
City probed in response, but lacked conviction. Emily Whelan nearly slipped through Brenna Lovera, but Kelsey Daugherty strongly palmed away the shot before Whelan herself nodded over. How City would be left to rue those chances.
Gibson poorly dealt with an inswinging corner, parrying it into the path of Gallacher who was never squandering the opportunity.
There was, however, nothing she could do with Loferski’s lob. A spectacular goal from the American after her burning pace wiped Kenzie Weir out of the game and left Gibson a mere spectator to her brilliance.
Player of the match – Natalie Ross (Celtic)
More questions arise for Ross’ City – analysis
Dumped out of the Champions League in disappointing fashion. Eight points behind league leaders Rangers in their title defence. Out of the League Cup before the semi-finals for the first time in over a decade.
This has not been the start Leanne Ross would have hoped for in her first full season in charge.
Something is not clicking for City. How the former captain would love to know why that is.
They’re not playing badly – far from it. Celtic didn’t exactly stroll tonight – but City are certainly not being clinical.
In stark contrast, Celtic are. The partnership of Gallacher and Loferski has been deadly and Alonso will be delighted to have them both back fit and firing.
There was an impressive control from Celtic, with player of the match – and opening goalscorer – Ross at the heart of that.
