Lisa Forrest inspired Glasgow City to the first silverware of the season as the Petershill side claimed the Sky Sports Cup at Fir Park against Leanne Crichton's Rangers. The 19-year-old, sister of Celtic's James Forrest and Hearts' Alan Forrest, netted a quick-fire second-half brace to send Leanne Ross's side on their way to their first win in the competition since 2015.
Historic Triumph for Glasgow City
Today's triumph means City have now won the Sky Sports Cup a record-equalling seven times, level with Hibernian. It is also their first domestic cup win since 2019 and sets them up for a potential treble this season. The Forrest family can boast quite the scrapbook of memorable goals, but the latest is the standout, according to one of the younger members of the clan.
Forrest's Spectacular Double
Her first goal came after she converted Lisa Evans' corner from close range, but the second veered to the spectacular as she let fly with a rasping 20-yard effort. 'I speak to my brothers about normal stuff rather than football, but obviously they wished me good luck before the game,' she said. 'I am sending them my goals, though. And, yeah, definitely me [when it comes to the best goal].'
Ross revealed after the game that Forrest is the only member of the City squad who has featured in every game this season. The last time City popped champagne corks with the 2023 SWPL title, Forrest was just coming through the ranks. 'It is the best moment of my career so far,' she said. 'The last time City won the league, I had just signed my first professional contract. So to be part of the first team and be involved so regularly makes it feel different.'
Team Effort and Future Focus
'It is just an incredible moment. I was so happy when I saw the ball hit the back of the net. The first was something we have practised in training, so it was great that it came off. The second one came because my team-mates are always on at me to shoot more. I saw it opening up and I just thought I would have a go.' Ross urged her players to enjoy the moment, but not too much. 'It is important now that they get the chance to enjoy it, but they will still be back in to get ready for Wednesday's game against Hibs.'
Rangers' Response and Lessons Learned
Rangers pulled a goal back through Katie Wilkinson, but it was too late to deny City. Crichton believes her young side will learn from the disappointment. 'The only way you become a winner is by suffering defeat and setbacks,' she said. 'Today was going to shape the season one way or another. You take the first piece of silverware and all the confidence that brings, or you take the disappointment and you learn how to process it and digest it.'
'We have a game against Partick Thistle now on Wednesday night. We are still in two competitions and we are excited about them.' This victory marks a significant milestone for Glasgow City, reinforcing their dominance in women's football and setting the stage for further successes this season.
