Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup

Sunday, February 9, 2020

K-Park, East Kilbride

CELTIC…0

GLASGOW WOMEN…0

IT was a frustrating start to the 2020 season for Celtic, as they were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in a 0-0 draw with Glasgow Women.
The goal-less stalemate came in the first group game of the new-look SWPL Cup, and despite dominating the proceedings throughout the game, the Celts couldn't cash in on their possession.
The draw followed a successful pre-season under new manager, Fran Alonso, and the Hoops sit joint second in the group after Spartans managed an 80th-minute winner against St Johnstone to go top.

The hosts looked to go ahead in the third minute as Chloe Craig beat the blustery conditions to play a perfectly placed through ball for Kathleen McGovern to run on to, but Natalie Docherty came off her line to shut McGovern down.

Five minutes later, Lisa Robertson linked up well with Rebecca McAllister to release her down the wing, before Josie Giard delivered a low cross across the face of goal which was just too much for Sarah Teegarden to convert.

The Celts carved out more chances ahead of the break with Jodie Bartle’s effort landing on the roof of the net and Robertson’s strike from distance finding Natalie Docherty. Paige McAllister, Teegarden and Robertson again tried to break the deadlock, but nothing set the two apart at the break.

The introduction of Summer Green at half-time offered another offensive option and she immediately sent a powerful drive through a swarm of bodies, but her effort was held.

Green and Teegarden created further chances, with Giard and Sarah Ewens both seeing their headers go inches by, but the hosts struggled to get enough pace behind their efforts to take a deserved lead.

Despite controlling possession and only coming under pressure from the visitors a couple of times, it wasn't to be in the new coach’s opening match.

Celtic now take on St Johnstone in the second group game of the Cup, travelling to McDiarmid Park this Sunday, February 16.

Celtic: Logan, Bartle, Clark, Craig, P McAllister (Warrington), Nicolson (Donaldson), Robertson, Teegarden, R McAllister, Giard (Ewens), McGovern (Green)

Subs: Kerr, McCulloch, Bowie

Celts draw in opening SWPL Cup group fixture