SWPL
Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie
Sunday, November 20 2022

CELTIC… 3
(Gallacher 16, 84, Fergusson 43)

HEARTS… 0

Celtic FC Women returned to winning ways in impressive fashion, beating Hearts 3-0 thanks to a double from Amy Gallacher and a goal from Liv Fergusson.

After a two-week absence following the narrow defeat to Glasgow City, the Hoops bounced back with an entertaining performance at the Excelsior Stadium.

Celtic got off to a quick start as they forced the visitors into a couple early corners, before a brilliant chance just before the quarter-hour mark saw Chloe Craig’s cross nearly finished by Gallacher, but Charlotte Parker-Smith was brave to come out and collect.

But Gallacher didn’t need to wait long to get on the scoresheet as she produced an audacious chip just two minutes later. Natalie Ross did well to win possession in the middle before lifting it over for Gallacher to run on to and lob the keeper to make it 1-0.

She then tried her luck from distance winning a corner, before the Hoops continued to create chances. With 10 minutes to go until the break, Ross and Lisa Robertson also looked to test the keeper, before Celtic made it 2-0 in the 43rd minute. A long ball into the box from Robertson was read brilliantly by Fergusson, who headed beyond beyond the onrushing goalkeeper.

After the break, Celtic continued to press forward and nearly stretched their lead int he 47th minute as Natalie Ross’ dipped effort landed on the roof of the net, before Lucy Ashworth-Clifford and Gallacher combined well on the left to test the Hearts defence.

Returning from Canadian duty, Clarissa Larisey nearly made an instant impact from the bench, racing down the line to cross it in from deep with her first touch, but Parker-Smith came out to take it away from Fergusson.

With six minutes remaining, Gallacher collected Maria McAneny’s ball in the box to turn and slotted her finish under Parker-Smith to put the game beyond doubt.

The Celts had further chances to extend their lead further, with McAneny coming close with a free kick, but it was a positive 3-0 win for the Hoops ahead of next weekend’s Glasgow derby against Rangers.

CELTIC: Tajonar, Otto (O’Riordan 75), Robertson, Ross, Craig, Gallacher, Shen (Larisey 64), Clark, Hayes (Burchill 75), Fergusson (McAneny 75), Ashworth-Clifford (Bowie 80).
Subs: Chance, Marwaha

Celtic return to winning ways with impressive victory over Hearts