Celtic got the match underway and started with a quick tempo as they looked to assert themselves into the game. Their efforts were rewarded as they earned a corner within the opening minute. The ensuing corner came to nothing, however, as Hibs defended well.
A few minutes later, a lapse in concentration at the back from Celtic allowed Amy Gallacher to pick up the ball in a good area. Celtic were able to recover quickly and stop Gallacher from getting a shot away.
Hibs enjoyed a good spell during the opening five minutes as they were to force a lot of turnovers and deny Celtic from creating anything clear-cut.
The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute through an excellent long-range strike from Rachael Boyle. Hibs worked the ball well down the left before Shannon McGregor switched the play to the right to find Boyle. Without taking a touch, Hibs’ number 23 fired the ball past Rachael Johnstone into the top left corner from 25 yards out to give her side an early advantage.
Fran Alonso’s side tried to find a quick response after going behind but were unable to break down Hibs' defence.
Hibs won a free kick on the edge of Celtic’s box in the 42nd minute after Colette Cavanagh was brought down. Gallagher played in Leah Eddie down the right who then fired the ball into the Celtic box. Celtic defended the cross well and were able to stop Hibs from doubling their advantage just before the interval.
This proved to be one of the final actions of the half as the referee blew the whistle for half-time shortly after.
Celtic made the perfect start to the second half as they found an equaliser within minutes of the restart. The ball came to Jacynta Galabadaarachi who curled an effort past Gabby English from just outside of the box.
Dean Gibson’s side responded well to Celtic’s equaliser as they found their feet quickly and got back into the game.
There was an excellent tempo at the start of the second half with chances coming at either end. Both teams were looking for a goal to take the lead but also defending well to stay in the match.
As the seconds ticked on and the clock approached the 70th minute, the game became a tense affair with the score level at 1-1.
Celtic took the lead for the first time in the match in the 80th minute through Charlie Wellings. Hibs defended an initial attack well, however, the ball came to Wellings who fired the ball into the back of the net off the crossbar.
Following their second goal, Celtic were able to take the sting out of the game and deny Hibs from getting back into the match.
Wellings’ goal turned out to be the winner as Celtic secured a 2-1 victory to advance into the SWPL Cup final.
Hibernian line up: English, Muir, Eddie, Adams (Morrison, 77'), McGregor (Malone, 67'), Cavanagh, Gallacher (Leishman, 87'), Notley, Murray (C), Coyle, Boyle
Unused subs: Mutch, Hunter, McAlonie
Match Report written by Struan Garvie
Photography provided by Craig Doyle