Scottish Women's Cup
Sunday, April 23, 2023
Hampden Park

CELTIC... 1
(Flint 19)

GLASGOW CITY... 0

Celtic FC Women booked their place in the Scottish Cup final for the second consecutive season after beating Glasgow City 1-0 at Hampden Park this afternoon (Sunday).

A first half strike from Tash Flint was enough to separate the two sides and secure a return to the country’s National Stadium in the showpiece final against Rangers at the end of next month for the cup holders.

It was a cagey start to the game, with very few chances for either side to shout home about in the first 15 minutes.

However, as the 20-minute mark approached, the Hoops burst into action and opening the scoring through Tash Flint.

During last weekend’s 4-2 win over City, the on-loan Leicester City forward played a pivotal role, grabbing two goals in that game, and she was on hand to put the Celts in the lead in the cup semi-final too.

A well-weighted through ball from Caitlin Hayes found Flint in behind the City defence. The forward remained composed and produced a fantastic finish past the on-rushing Gibson.

With the half-time whistle approaching, the two sides stepped up their efforts of scoring the all-important second goal of the game.

Amy Gallacher thought she had done just that, putting the ball in the back of the net after another fantastic run in behind the City defence. However, she was flagged offside.

Glasgow City’s first real opportunity of the match came on the stroke of half-time, as Pamela Tajonar was forced into a strong save. The experienced goalkeeper was on hand to turn a powerful strike from outside the penalty area round the post and away to safety.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with neither goalkeeper having very much to do but that would change in the latter stages of the match.

Celtic’s best chance came inside the early moments, after some good pressure from Gallacher created space for Jacynta on the edge. However, her strike was comfortably held.

With Glasgow City looking to find a way back into proceedings the Hoops backline had to remain strong and resolute.

The central defensive trio of Kelly Clark, Caitlin Hayes and substitute Chloe Craig were doing well to shut down any dangerous attacks that came their way.

With City attempting to put the pressure on in the closing stages, Tajonar made another good save to hold a goalbound effort.

Fran Alonso’s side were also continuing to go forward in search of a second, and a good ball in from the left by Shen Menglu almost created another good opportunity, but no one could get on the end of her cross.

As the game entered stoppage time, Glasgow City had a massive opportunity to level up the scoring, with a gap opening up in the Celtic defence.

After finding space inside the area, Lisa Forrest went through one-on-one with Tajonar. The Hoops shot-stopper made herself big and produced a great save with her leg.

The current leaders of the SWPL were looking to pile on the pressure in stoppage time, and with two minutes remaining, the Ghirls went down to 10 players after Natalie Ross was sent off for a second bookable offence.

From the foul, City had a free-kick in a good area and it gave them one last chance to fire an effort on goal. Once again, Tajonar was a match for the strike though, pushing the ball away to safety.

That would be the last chance to level the game up, and Celtic would come away winners, securing their place in next month’s Scottish Cup final against Rangers.

CELTIC: Tajonar, O’Riordan (Craig 46), Robertson (Otto 85), Ross, Gallacher (Loferski 69, Shen 75), Jacynta (Fergusson 85), Clark, Kerner, Hayes, Flint, Menglu.
Subs: Logan, Otto, Shen, Fergusson, Bowie, Goldie, McAneny

Celtic reach Scottish Cup final after thrilling victory over Glasgow City