Rangers Women kicked off 2026 in emphatic fashion with a commanding 6-0 Scottish Cup victory over SWPL 2 side Kilmarnock, and manager Leanne Crichton was pleased with both the result and the wider performance after a challenging return from the winter break.
Speaking after the match, Crichton admitted that some rust was expected following a few weeks away from competitive action.
“I knew today there was a good chance we would be a little bit rusty in how we would move the ball,” she said, but stressed that progression in the cup was the priority.
“Ultimately today it’s about progressing in the competition. It’s an opportunity to get everybody back on the pitch and, for the most part, to move the ball well.”
Despite the blistering conditions and the disrupted training schedule due to the weather during the week which constricted the Women’s team’s space around the training centre, Crichton was encouraged by the overall display.
With heavy rain affecting the surface and limited access to full-sized training facilities, Rangers had to adapt quickly.
“We knew it was going to be different to go from being in that condensed space all week and looking to then move that seamlessly onto the pitch,” she explained.
“The pitch was even more slick than it normally would be, but we persevered with that.”
While the first half lacked fluency at times, Rangers grew into the game and tightened up after the interval.
“Transitionally, we probably just gave Kilmarnock a bit too much respect at points,” Crichton admitted.
“So, we addressed that at half-time and the response was good.”
One of the major positives was the variety of goals and contributors across the pitch.
“Different types of scorers, different types of goals as well,” she noted, while also highlighting the importance of another shutout.
“Another clean sheet - we’ve set the mark now with that and we’re really focused on it.”
The match also marked the debut of new signing Calliste Brookshire, who made an immediate impression.
Crichton was glowing in her assessment of the American born Greek international winger’s first week at the club.
“She’s been a breath of fresh air, just with her personality first and foremost,” she said.
“From the first session you could see what she was all about.
“She’s super direct, she’s physical, she’s aggressive, and she’s got a lot of variation to her play.”
Crichton acknowledged the pressure that comes with a first appearance in front of supporters but felt the winger handled it well.
“Now she’s got those minutes, hopefully she can settle as the week goes on. She’s going to be a big player for us.”
With major fixtures against SWPL Champions Hibernian and league leaders Glasgow City on the horizon, Crichton was clear that momentum is crucial.
“You can’t take your foot off the gas at all,” she said.
“We’ve taken care of today but now it’s about looking forward to Hibs next week.
“Every team’s the same – you want to have that momentum, you want to keep it going.”
Defender Lily Boyce, recently recalled from her loan spell at Motherwell, also reflected positively on the performance and her return to the squad.
“I thought it was a really good performance from all the girls,” she said.
“We moved the ball quickly, had a lot of short combinations, and a lot of goals and goal scorers too, which is a really big positive.”
Boyce highlighted the impact of the substitutes and the importance of building good habits.
“All the substitutions that came on made a big impact in the game,” she said.
“That’s really important going into the next round of games.”
Her time at Motherwell has helped accelerate her development, something she is grateful for.
“I’ve definitely developed over the recent months and played in some big games,” Boyce explained.
“I’m delighted to be recalled and hopefully get more opportunities to get some more minutes for Rangers.”
Back in the heart of defence, Boyce enjoyed playing alongside experienced teammates. “I love playing with older, experienced players. They teach me so much,” she said, praising Laura Rafferty in particular. “She taught me a lot.”
Boyce also spoke highly of working under Crichton.
“Leanne’s such a great coach. She gives you really good advice and I feel she’s got good confidence in me whenever I step out onto that pitch.”
With confidence growing and key fixtures ahead, Boyce believes the squad are well placed to push on.
“Today we built confidence and everyone had a really good performance,” she said. “Hopefully we can take that into the weeks coming up and get some more points on the board.”
Rangers’ dominant cup win has not only booked their place in the next round where they will face Glasgow rivals Partick Thistle but also set the tone for a demanding and decisive period of the season ahead.