SWPL 1

Penny Cars Stadium, Airdrie

Sunday, November 21, 2021

CELTIC 3

(Larisey 79 & 86, Shorts 89)

ABERDEEN 1

(Hutchison 39)

Celtic FC Women’s squad depth was the defining difference in their 3-1 win over Aberdeen. Five substitutions were made in the second-half and it was the sharpness and freshness of those players, Clarissa Larisey in particular, who scored the equaliser and managed a second, that helped the Hoops claw themselves back from 1-0 down.

As much as Celtic had the most possession and goalscoring opportunities in the first-half, it was Aberdeen who made one of the only a few chances in the opening 45 minutes count.

Celtic were pressing around Aberdeen’s box and had three corners in quick concession but couldn’t find an early opener.

Wellings, Chance and Jacynta circled the box throughout the first-half ready for a Toland cross but nothing came to fruition.

But it was Aberdeen who took advantage of a misplaced pass by the Celtic defence and put themselves 1-0 up in the 39th minute. Hutchison had space and was able slot the ball passed Johnstone.

The first change for the Ghirls was Tegan Bowie who replaced Chloe Warrington on the left wing right after half-time. Her speed and crossing added an extra threat to the Celtic side as they pushed for an equaliser.

Wellings’ volleyed the ball in the centre of the box but Gilmour saved, then Chance’s close-range attempt went over the bar, Craig took a powerful strike which also went just over and then Jacynta’s effort rebounded off the post.

The Celts had chance after chance but to no avail. Until, a further two changes were made with Larisey and Atkinson replacing Olafsdottir Gros and Craig in the 71th minute of the match.

Four minutes later Larisey and Wellings had teamed up and tried to push through a crowded box. But in the 79th minute hard work and constant pressing finally paid off for the Hoops. Larisey fought with an Aberdeen defender to win the through ball and tapped it past the keeper’s reach into the goal.

With less than five minutes to go the entire Celtic side drove on for the winner and there the Canadian was again. Wellings passed the ball through to Larisey who steered the ball into the net.

Celtic were brimming with confidence in the final stages of the game and in the 89th minute Shorts headed the ball home for the third from a well-taken Toland cross, sealing the three points.

CELTIC: Johnstone, Shorts, Craig (Larisey), Hayes, Warrington (Bowie), Shen (Harkes), Toland, Olafsdottir Gros (Atkinson), Jacynta (McGovern), Wellings, Chance.

Subs: Bartle, Clark.

Thrilling late fightback earns three vital points for Ghirls