Ross secures silverware for Hibs Ladies

The ex-Gers midfielder swapped Govan for Edinburgh earlier this campaign and she proved to be the match-winner as Hibs fought back from the loss of an early goal to win 2-1 and take the trophy for the fifth time in just eight seasons.

The 18-year-old believes that yesterday's success can prove to be a springboard to a sustained title challenge next term, but only if they can find the desired level of consistency.

Ross said: "We have enjoyed a great run this season and to finish it with a trophy is fantastic, but next year we need to be more consistent if we are to do even better and push for the league title.

"This result proves once more the strength of character we have in our squad and even when we were trailing at the interval we had the belief we would still win."

Rangers had punished a sloppy start from pre-match favourites Hibs when they opened the scoring through captain Lesley McMaster.

The defender produced a wonderful finish that any striker would have been proud of when she twisted her body to volley a cross from Lindzi Bayne beyond the despairing dive of goalkeeper Shannon Lynn.

The loss of the opening goal appeared to be the spark that Hibs badly needed to kick-start their cup ambitions after a lethargic opening.

The Easter Road side were denied by the woodwork on no fewer than four occasions and when they looked like scoring they found Rangers stopper Lucy Cook in inspired form.

A change of personnel for Hibs saw the introduction of Joelle Murray and from the substitute's excellent cross Laura Kennedy bravely headed into the net under pressure from Cook on 67 minutes.

Suddenly, Rangers were forced onto the front foot and it was no surprise to see gaps open up in the Glasgow side's defensive line.

The decisive goal came just 11 minutes from the end when the impressive Lisa Robertson whipped in a tantalising free kick for Ross to guide into the net from close range.

Describing her match-winning goal, Ross said: "It was a great cross from Lisa and luckily I managed to get something on it. At first I thought the keeper was going to get a touch but to see it find the net was a fantastic feeling."

Hibernian LFC: Lynn, Jones, Brown, S. Robertson, Thomson, L. Robertson, McWhinnie, Ross, Emslie (Pia 86), Zoltie (Murray 60), Kennedy. Subs: Watson, Malcolm, Cunningham, Pia, Murray, McCulley.

Rangers: Cook, McNicol, Lowe, McMaster, Magilton, Docherty, Swanson, Bayne, Clelland (Gallagher 78), Melrose, Rae. Subs: Gallagher, Somerville.