Rangers Women signed off for the winter break in convincing fashion with a 3–0 victory over Aberdeen Women on Sunday, a result that capped a demanding first half of the season and underlined the progress being made under head coach Leanne Crichton.
First half goals from Katie Wilkinson and Laura Berry – followed by a unique Shin-Ji Kim second half strike ensured Rangers left Balmoral Stadium with all three points, but both Crichton and defender Nicola Docherty were quick to stress that the performance itself was not flawless, despite the comfortable looking scoreline.
Defender Docherty described the match as a stern test, highlighting the physical challenge and importance of taking chances at key moments.
“That was the goal - to come up here and get three points,” she said.
“Getting the clean sheet is really important as well.
“Aberdeen is a really difficult place to come, you put the travel into it, and then the match itself was physical.
“But I thought we scored our goals at really important, crucial times.”
The opening exchanges were evenly balanced, with Aberdeen showing intent on the counter and Rangers needing time to impose themselves.
Docherty admitted her side fell short of their usual standards in patches during the first half.
“There were moments where we were really slack,” she explained.
“That’s something we pride ourselves on - doing the basics well.
“There were times they caught us out in transitions and that’s something we’ll need to look back at because we demand high standards from ourselves.”
Crichton echoed that assessment, describing the overall display as “patchy” despite the outcome.
“The most pleasing aspect of the day is the three points and the clean sheet,” she said.
“The game itself was a bit dysfunctional at points.
“But the timing of the goals was really important.”
Those goals proved decisive. Rangers struck twice in the first half to take control, settling nerves and allowing the visitors to dictate large spells of the contest.
The second-half third goal - a rare direct finish from a corner by Shin Ji Kim, effectively sealed the contest and allowed Rangers to manage the closing stages.
Crichton felt the second-half control was key, particularly against an Aberdeen side she rates highly, managed by ex-Dons men’s team forward Scott Booth.
“They are a good team with an identity and a style,” she said.
“You’re never going to come here and get an easy afternoon.
But we managed to deal with that, be professional and get the job done.”
Docherty was keen to highlight the attacking contributions throughout the side, singling out the form of Katie Wilkinson and Laura Berry, as well as Roma loanee Shin Ji’s influence.
“Wilco and Laura have been excellent,” she said.
“Laura’s shown a different side to her game this season and Shin Ji is just a different level of class - her technical ability is fantastic.”
Defensively, Rangers clean sheet marked another step forward, something Docherty believes reflects a growing collective responsibility.
“That’s something we touch on every week,” she said.
“Clean sheets are something we’ve really wanted to get back to, and that’s another box ticked.”
As the team heads into the winter break, both player and manager struck an optimistic tone.
Crichton believes the foundations are now firmly in place for the second half of the campaign.
“We’ve navigated adversity as a group,” she said.
“Now it’s about using the break to reflect, recharge and make sure we’re ready to kick on in January.”
Rangers return to action with a home match against SWPL champions Hibernian on January 18, the Hibees will now be managed by Joelle Murray, after title-winning gaffer Grant Scott’s shock departure to Celtic during the week to replace Elena Sadiku.