Celtic reach final with extra-time win over Glasgow City

Celtic scored twice in extra time to book their place in a first Women's Scottish Cup final in three years as they defeated Glasgow City.

Saoirse Noonan's first-half header seemed set to be the winner for Celtic - who had not beaten City since August 2024 - in regulation time, but Linda Motlhalo's powerful strike with seven minutes remaining forced the extra 30 minutes.

It looked like City - who had hopes of completing a domestic treble after lifting the SWPL Cup earlier this season - would have their tails up in extra time, but Celtic, who won this competition back-to-back in 2022 and 2023, did not allow them to settle.

Amy Gallacher - who delivered the enticing corner for Noonan's nodded opener - netted a pinpoint strike two minutes in to puncture the feelgood factor among the City ranks and restore Celtic's lead.

In a disjointed game plagued by stoppages, Grant Scott's side extended their lead deep into first-half additional time.

Scotland international Shannon McGregor, making her Hampden bow, was alive at the back post to take a touch and blast a brilliant third into the roof of the net.

That looked to be that, but City reduced the deficit in the final minute as substitute Emily Grey eventually stroked home after a stramash in the box.

It made for a tense final roll of the dice, but it was ultimately too little, too late for Leanne Ross' side, whose sole focus will now be overturning the four-point deficit they have in the SWPL behind leaders Hearts.

Celtic though will return to Hampden on Sunday, 31 May for the final. They will face the winners of Rangers and Montrose, who meet on Sunday at 13:30 BST - live on BBC One Scotland.

Celtic head coach Grant Scott: "I thought we were good today and in the end, the win was deserved.

"We never fear any of these opponents and sometimes quirks happen that you've not beaten a team for a while and you can't really put your finger on it.

"I think I've questioned the character, the mentality of the groups, especially in the last two or three bad results we had there because the results, as bad as they were, it was the performances that were more disappointing and I hadn't seen that in the group since I joined the club.

"So, I think having put those performances to bed and showing now true versions of ourselves on Wednesday and today, we need to bottle that and move it forward and make our quality better at times and manage the game better."

Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross: "It's hugely disappointing. Performance wise, we've matched Celtic. We started the game really well, positive, I felt we probably should have been at least two goals up, but in saying that, Celtic defended those actions really well and then the chances we gave up were far too soft.

"Three balls into our box and we've conceded three goals. It's out of character for us, to be honest, but it then gives you a mountain to climb.

"We need to score goals, that's all that's missing from us right now, because we're playing good football, we're more than matching teams, but we're not punishing them when we're on top in games.

"There's a distinct lack of confidence at the moment, I think you can see it in front of goal."