Goals in either half gave Celtic a 2-0 victory over Spartans in Edinburgh on Sunday as Fran Alonso's side produced a controlled performance to take all three points.

Winger Maria Olafsdottir Gros, who had celebrated her 19th birthday the day before, earned herself a belated birthday present by scoring the opening goal on the half-hour mark, while Clarissa Larisey doubled Celtic's lead on the half-hour mark.

Celtic's opening goal came following a free-kick after goalkeeper Chloe Logan had taken a knock following a collision as she had rushed out to make a save.

The Hoops drove forward, and with the ball in the box, Jacynta angled it across goal where Gros was able to run on to it and drive a low shot into the net.

Fran Alonso's side created several more chances in the last 15 minutes of the first half, with Sarah Harkes coming close with a shot from outside the area that went just wide.

And with four minutes of the first-half remaining, Tyler Toland found Chloe Craig inside the box. Her initial shot was saved by the Spartans goalkeeper and when the rebound fell to Jacynta at the penalty spot, her attempt flew over the crossbar.

Into the second-half and the Hoops continued to press for another goal, with Gros creating a chance in the 50th minute. The Icelandic winger drove into the box and set up Toland, but her shot was saved and, again, Celtic were unable to convert the rebound.

However, 10 minutes later Celtic were rewarded with their second goal of the day on the hour mark.

Gros knocked the ball over the top to Clarissa Larisey who showed her strength, winning the ball ahead of the Spartans defender before slotting it coolly beyond the goalkeeper.

The two goals, clean sheet and three points puts Celtic on the front foot for two crucial games on the horizon. First up is a league clash with Glasgow City on Thursday night before they host Rangers at home on Sunday in the Scottish Women’s Cup.

CELTIC: Logan, Shorts, Clark, Hayes, Craig (Bartle), Toland, Harkes (Ferguson), Gros (Warrington), Jacynta (Atkinson), Larisey (Bowie), Shen.

SUBS: Johnstone, Bartle, Atkinson, Ferguson, Warrington, Bowie

Controlled win for Ghirls at Spartans puts them in good stead for busy schedule