Sky Sports Cup final: Rangers 3-1 Partick Thistle: Three talking points

By Jessica Elliot

Over 4,000 supporters watched Rangers lift the first silverware of the season at Tynecastle (Image: Getty Images)

After a decisive victory over Partick Thistle this afternoon at Tynecastle, Rangers lifted the Sky Sports Cup, securing their first piece of silverware this season. Let’s look at three talking points from the exciting Sky Sports Cup final:

 

Mia McAulay is a shining star

The 17-year-old stone the show on the biggest stage (Image: Getty Images

 

Mia McAulay, at the age of 17, has today secured her first senior trophy. After signing her first professional contract this season, she has quickly made an impact in Scotland and made sure that the fans know her name.

 

The technique, ability and goalscoring prowess on display from the youngster indicates that the Gers have a wonderkid on their hands. Jo Potter even joked about this in her post-match press conference, saying that she won’t big her up too much because she wants to keep her at the club.

 

Hopefully, McAulay can stay in Scotland for a few more seasons at least, as a player with as much ability as she does will undoubtedly push the women’s game in this country forward.

 

Thistle are building something special

Partick can be proud of their performance despite the scoreline (Image: Getty Images)

 

Partick Thistle have looked good all season and what a fairytale it is that they made it this far in a cup competition, especially considering they are still only part-time. That was the fall-off today, admitted to by Brian Graham himself, as the difference in fitness levels between part-time and full-time football players is huge.

 

Despite being 3-1 down at half-time, Thistle looked good for a majority of the first half. The players were pressing, everyone was doing their job, and the gaffer certainly looked pleased. They even had a beautiful goal courtesy of Rachel Donaldson to show for their efforts.

 

When the teams came out for the second though, it was as if someone had flicked a switch. In the opening minutes, Rangers were looking shaky as Thistle were on the front foot, but as the gas started to run out in the tanks of the Jags’ players, the Gers took advantage.

 

The manager took responsibility for the tactical change, telling the media after the game that he switched to a back-three in an attempt to put more pressure on Rangers. Although a lot of fans thought that Thistle heads dropping was the reason for a lack of pressing after Rangers scored their fourth, Graham admitted that he changed to five-at-the-back in an attempt to keep the scoreline respectable.

 

Looking past the result though, it’s evident that Thistle are building something special.

 

Of course, they have a much lower budget than the top three teams in the league, but they have made a good showing of themselves this year and they’ll be looking to continue that going into next season. They earned their place in the top half of the SWPL table this campaign and no one can argue otherwise. The foundations they’re putting in place look strong, especially with Graham at the wheel.

 

Is Jo Potter the answer for Rangers?

Jo Potter with her first trophy as Gers boss (Image: Getty Images)

 

Since arriving at Rangers in June, Jo Potter has had an enjoyable time in Glasgow. Until they were beaten by Celtic last Sunday, her side had gone unbeaten in the SWPL and even won bragging rights over their rivals by knocking them out of the Sky Sports Cup with a 93rd-minute penalty. Now, she has made her presence known by lifting her first piece of silverware as a manager.

 

Two weeks ago, Rangers did the smart thing and granted Potter a contract extension through to summer 2026. So far, it looks like the good times are just going to keep coming for the Gers, so a fantastic decision to ensure that they can keep a great manager tied down.

 

No matter what happens come the end of the season, Rangers can be proud of their performances this season. After lifting the Sky Sports Cup today at Tynecastle, they’ve ensured that they’ll have at least one trophy to show for their hard work.

 

As we get into the business end of the season, Rangers will have to be on the ball week in, week out to ensure that their rivals can’t catch up to them. After losing in Airdrie last Sunday, rivals Celtic now sit one point behind the top spot, and they’ll hope to erase that gap in the next Glasgow Derby.

 

But let’s be honest. Rangers fans can sleep easy knowing that Potter is at the helm, because she may well prove to be the game-changer that Rangers needed.

SportJessica Elliott