SWPL1
Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld
Sunday, October 18, 2020

GLASGOW CITY... 2
(McLaughin, Howat)

CELTIC... 0

It was a day of disappointment for Celtic as they were beaten 2-0 against Glasgow City in the opening fixture of the new league season, with second half goals from Rachel McLaughlin and Kirsty Howat at Broadwood Stadium delivering all three points for the defending champions.

Just before the 10th minute, a great piece of play from Summer Green as she cut inside allowed her to release Sarah Ewens on the left, who, in turn, picked out McGovern in the box, but her header was held by Lee Alexander in what was Celtic's first chance of the game.

The hosts enjoyed the better of the chances in the opening 20 minutes, with a speculative shot from Howat connecting with the crossbar a warning sign for the Hoops.

Natalie Ross was booked for a late challenge on Aoife Colvill, conceding the free-kick from 25 yards, but Celtic broke away ont he counter-attack through Green and Keeva Keenan down the left, but her slicing through ball for Anita had too much on it, and it remained goal-less 10 minutes before the break.

Celtic had opportunities shortly before the interval with, McGovern peeling away from Rachael McLaughlin as she hooked on to Craig’s pass, but it was called back for the foul, before Craig and McGovern linked up as Ross’ shot from distance was held by Alexander.

After resolutely defending a spell of second-half pressure from the hosts, the Celts pressed them, seeing Keenan try her luck with a dipped effort from wide, and the introduction of Tegan Bowie causing problems on the left.

Celtic’s defence was eventually breached, as McLaughlin’s cross floated over Logan shortly after the hour mark. Fran Alonso's side responded immediately, as Green and Keenan combined to quickly break away down the left and cross into the area, but McGovern’s effort was over.

And on 68 minutes, Howat stabbed home from close-range to make it 2-0 for Glasgow City. Into the last 10 minutes, Celtic continued to look for a way through, Green cutting in to shoot but her effort on the spin failed to trouble Alexander, and Celtic fell to an opening day defeat against the champions.

CELTIC: Logan, Keenan (Warrington, 80), Hayes, Clark, Craig, Ross (Nicolson, 90), Robertson, Green, McGovern (Brenda, 76), Ewens (Giard, 69), Anita (Bowie, 54).
Subs: Johnstone, McBrearty

Celtic suffer opening day league defeat to Glasgow City