There was late drama at the Penny Cars Stadium as a stoppage-time goal from Charlie Wellings rescued a crucial point for Celtic against Spartans.

The Hoops trailed 2-1 at the break despite Tegan Bowie giving them an early lead, but a Rosie McQuillan double left Fran Alonso’s side trailing until the last few moments of the game.

In the opening exchanges, Celtic took the game to their opponents, with Maria Olagfsdottir Gros testing the Spartans defence with a corner before Jacynta forced a save from Rachael Harrison within the first three minutes.

But in the eleventh minute, Harrison saved again from Jacynta, but the ball landed at Bowie who did well to control it and strike a low shot to open the scoring.

However, Spartans responded immediately and were level within two minutes when McQuillan headed home a free-kick.

Celtic continued to press forward in search of a second goal that would restore their lead, but the next goal came for the visitors, and it was McQuillan who scored again, lobbing the ball over Chloe Logan to give her side a 2-1 half-time lead.

The second-half saw the Hoops push for an equaliser, with Rachel Donaldson’s chipped effort deflected out for a corner, while Olafsdottir Gros had a shot which hit the side-netting.

Bowie came even closer to scoring her and Celtic’s second goal with a shot that hit the inside of the post. While the Hoops claimed the ball had crossed the line, the officials waved play on.

However, Celtic finally got the reward their efforts deserved with an equaliser in the 93rd minute, as Charlie Wellings remained composed to run on to a through ball and place it beyond the onrushing Harrison.

And there was even a chance for the Hoops to grab the winner, but Izzy Atkinson’s shot was well saved by the Spartans goalkeeper.

CELTIC: Logan, Bartle (Donaldson 46), Clark, Shorts (Hayes 76), Bowie (Toland 76), Shen, Craig, Larisey (Chance 46), Jacynta, Wellings, Olafsdottir Gros (Atkinson 68).
Subs: Johnstone, Warrington

Wellings' late strike rescues a point for Celtic against Spartans