Grant Scott expressed pride in his side’s performance despite Celtic Women falling to a shootout defeat against Rangers Women in his first Old Firm clash in charge.
The former Hibernian title-winning boss, now settling into life at Celtic after joining in December, admitted the manner of the loss was difficult to process but refused to criticise his players after a high-level, energy-filled display across 120 minutes.
“It’s a disappointing way to end the game,” Scott said.
“I thought the players were magnificent overall today. For 120 minutes we’ve shown how competitive we are and how competitive we’re going to be.”
While the outcome stung, Scott pointed to the fine margins that shaped the contest.
He said: “I’m not quite sure in the moment how we’ve managed to lose the game, but ultimately, it’s goals at bad times. That’s something we’ll maybe look back on.
“I’ve got nothing but pride for the players. They gave the fans everything they would expect, high energy, good quality. We were composed on the ball and quite dominant at lots of periods of the game.”
He acknowledged Rangers cutting edge proved decisive: “Rangers are a dangerous team, and they’ve taken their chances today, full credit to them. But overall, huge disappointment, but I’m very proud of the group.”
Scott suggested fortune also played its part in a match defined by momentum swings.
“Sometimes you need those wee breaks, those bits of luck in critical moments,” he explained.
“Rangers got those today rather than us. But that’s sport, that’s football. We can’t let that detract from what we’re trying to do with the team.”
Despite the emotional toll, the Celtic manager framed the setback as fuel rather than a setback to belief.
“Disappointment is an important feeling because it drives you on. You don’t want to have these moments too often,” he said.
“We’ll dust the players down this week; there shouldn’t be any issue picking them back up again.”
Rangers won the match 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw – with Laura Berry’s 90th minute equaliser taking the game to extra time and eventually spot kicks.
Jenna Fife, who saved a penalty during extra time was the hero for the Gers, saving two spot kicks to take her side to the Sky Sports Cup final against Glasgow City, which will take place on March 29 at Fir Park.