Leanne Crichton praised her sides character, preparation and mentality after guiding Rangers Women into another League Cup final, admitting performance levels came second to the outcome in a draining semi-final battle with Celtic Women.
Crichton’s side were stretched repeatedly in a chaotic contest, but she was clear that progression, not polish, defined the afternoon.
“Really pleased that we're in a Cup Final, that’s the most important thing. It always was going to be about that today, regardless of performance,” she said.
“We lacked control in the game at certain points. We found ourselves behind on more than one occasion. But the character and the resilience from the group to claw their way back, and then to hold their nerve.”
With extra time sapping energy, composure became the currency.
“I knew the players were out on their feet. But just to have that composure and hold your nerve to see through penalties,” she said.
Crichton was quick to credit her goalkeeper Jenna Fife, who saved two shootout spot kicks and an extra time penalty for a hat-trick of spot kick saves.
“A shout-out to Jenna. A lot of prep work has gone into that this week, and she stood up to the challenge.”
Penalty scenarios had been a deliberate coaching focus.
“We've been so focused on every element of a cup game. We know what it can throw at you, and you need to be ready for these types of moments.
“We've worked on it all week, Jenna and [Chris Flockhart], our goalkeeping coach, have been bang at it in terms of the personnel and the opposition.”
Reaching her first final as Rangers manager carries symbolic weight, but Crichton framed it within the club’s recent cup pedigree – including four consecutive League Cup triumphs – and with the League Cup being the first opportunity of the season to life silverware, Crichton believes her side can lay down a marker.
“That first bit of silverware is always important. The success over the last number of years has come through the cup competition, so it was something for us we wanted to make sure we were there and thereabouts.”
The timing of Rangers second goal just before the break, a great finish from Laura Berry, reducing the deficit to 3–2, was a key psychological pivot.
“Really important to bounce back. The character and resilience was never in question,” Crichton said.
“Even at points you're looking at them and thinking they should be gone, but I know the group and I know what we've got in that dressing room.”
She also singled out Berry’s influence beyond the scoresheet.
“She’s been excellent with her all-round play, her energy, her enthusiasm,” she said, praising her forward.
“Even when players look tired, she's one of the ones rallying and driving the team on. She’s a really important player for us.”
The recent run against Celtic adds confidence, but Crichton downplayed narrative momentum.
“It’s a fixture we've enjoyed recently, but form goes out the window when we get towards the split. We're focused on our consistency and the momentum we've got.
“We've remained unbeaten throughout that process and booked ourselves in the cup final, there’s a feel-good factor about us.”
Now comes a final against Glasgow City, her former club.
“I'm just delighted that we're there. It would have been a sore one to watch them in a final and not be part of that.
“The objective here at Rangers is to deliver silverware and I'm really pleased that we'll get that opportunity against them.”
Rangers will face SWPL league leaders Glasgow City on March 29 at Motherwell’s Fir Park Stadium as they look to win a fifth successive League Cup.