Scottish Women’s Premier League 1

Almondvale Stadium, Livingston

Sunday January 16, 2022

HIBERNIAN… 1

(Notley 91)

CELTIC… 1

(Wellings 43)

Celtic Women picked up a point away from home in their first Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 game of 2022 against Hibernian.

The Ghirls, who were unable to convert a number of chances throughout the match, drew 1-1 courtesy of an added-time equaliser from the Edinburgh side.

Celtic were gifted an opportunity to put themselves ahead before the half- hour mark after Jacynta was cynically brought down in the penalty box.

However, Celtic skipper Chloe Craig had her penalty kick saved by Hibs keeper Emily Mutch.

Charlie Wellings had a number of first-half chances courtesy of through balls from Craig, Jacynta and Shen but was unable to find the back of the net early on.

But the striker put the Ghirls ahead in the 43^rd minute after Jacynta’s ball through was calmly slotted past the outstretched goalkeeper and into the net.

The Hoops came out after the half time break full of energy, with Tegan Bowie and Wellings continuing to put pressure on the Hibs back line.

Celtic shot-stopper Rachael Johnstone was forced into a diving save in the 66^th minute to deny Muir.

Deep into the second half the Ghirls had more golden opportunities to extend their lead away from home but couldn’t find the net.

A great long ball to Wellings led to a one-on-one between Shen and the Hibs keeper. But the Chinese attacking midfielder was unable to punish the home side, despite Mutch’s initial fumbling of the ball.

Harkes also delivered a free kick into the opposition box late on, which bounded off Caitlin Hayes’ foot and was eventually smothered away by the keeper.

With Celtic unable to find a second goal, Hibs continued their own spell of pressure and were rewarded with a late equaliser.

In the 91^st minute, Ellis Notley was able to latch on to a corner ball before it was cleared and tucked her shot into the net to level the scores.

The match finished 1-1, with Celtic picking up a point in their first match of the year.

Celtic are now looking ahead to their Scottish Cup fixture away to Edinburgh City on Wednesday, January 19, before a league match away to Partick Thistle.

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

SUBS: Clark, Toland, McAllister

Last-minute leveller steals full points from Ghirls’ grasp