Scottish Gas Women’s Scottish Cup
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Meadowbank Stadium

HIBERNIAN…2

(Burchill 46, Adams 50)

CELTIC…3

(Lawton 16, Cross 45, McAneny 52)

Celtic FC Women kicked off the Grant Scott era with a victory, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.

A 3-2 win over Hibernian sealed the Hoops place in the last eight as the new boss kicked things off in the best possible fashion.

The Ghirls raced into a two-goal first half lead, with Emma Lawton and Morgan Cross opening their accounts for 2026.

In the second half they were pegged back early on, before Maria McAneny quickly fired home what would ultimately be the winner.

It was an even start to proceedings with both sides looking to suss things out as they kicked off their first fixture since returning from the winter break.

But it didn’t take long for Celtic to break the deadlock in the match as Emma Lawton scored the first goal of the Grant Scott era.

The full-back was on hand to head home Amy Gallacher’s delivery, firing the Ghirls in front after just 16 minutes.

Both sides continued to have their fair share of possession and chances in the game, with Lisa Rodgers coming up with two big stops to deny Tiree Burchill and Tegan Bowie.

The Hoops also had their opportunities in the first half with Lawton seeing another strike saved, whilst Morgan Cross’ looping delivery strike the crossbar.

The pressure was being piled on the Hibernian goal towards the end of the half with Saoirse Noonan then rattling the woodwork from a free kick on the edge of the area.

But the pressure finally paid off just moments before the half time whistle as Morgan Cross doubled Celtic’s advantage.

It was a lovely move from the Celts which was executed well by the winger, who found space in behind after a well weighted pass in behind the Hibs defence by Noonan.

That finish handed Celtic a two-goal lead at the half, and in a commanding position heading into the second 45 minutes.

However, that lead was soon gone, with the home side starting the second half brightly, and scoring twice within five minutes of the restart.

Former Celt, Tiree Burchill raced onto the end of a long ball over the top, before producing a composed finish beyond Rodgers.

Just moments later, the game was level as Eilidh Adams’ looping header found the net after a superb cross from Rosie Livingston on the right.

With all the momentum in the game headed Hibs’ way, it was important for Celtic not to buckle under that pressure.

And they responded in ideal fashion as Maria McAneny fired Celtic back in front just two minutes later.

The midfielder pounced upon a mistake at the back from the home side, striking a first-time finish beyond the diving goalkeeper.

With the Ghirls now leading into the match, it became a closely fought encounter, with both sides looking to grab the all-important next goal.

Ultimately, neither goalkeeper was really tested further, with Hibs coming closest striking the crossbar late on.

But the Hoops held on to seal their place in the next round of the Scottish Cup, with a superb victory on the road making it back-to-back wins against the Leith side.

It was also a superb start to Grant Scott’s first game in charge, kicking things off with a win.

Having booked their place in the last eight, the new Celtic boss will be aiming to build on that result when his side return to league duties next weekend against Motherwell.

CELTIC: Rodgers, Lawton, Clark, Walsh, Luke, Robertson, Momo, Gallacher, Cross (Smith 68), McAneny, Noonan (Westin 84)

Subs: Gay, Richardson, Knox, McGoldrick

Ghirls kick-off Grant Scott era with Scottish Cup win over Hibs