Scottish Women’s Premier League
Sunday, December 17, 2023
The Oriam, Edinburgh

HEARTS… 1
(Timms 8)

CELTIC… 1
(Hayes 56)

Celtic FC Women were held to a 1-1 draw on their travels this afternoon after fighting back to take home a point against Hearts in the capital.

After the home side took the lead early in the game, the Ghirls were made to work for a share of the spoils, with Caitlin Hayes’ second half strike sealing a point.

Coming into the game, Fran Alonso’s side were looking to round off their final match of 2023 before the upcoming winter break with a victory.

However, it was the hosts who would take an early advantage in the game, scoring inside the opening 10 minutes to make the score 1-0.

Latching on to a long ball over the top, Hearts striker Georgia Timms forced Celtic shot-stopper Kelsey Daugherty into a smart stop. The American couldn’t hold on to the initial effort, though, with Timms quickly following up to open the scoring from close range.

It proved to be a difficult half for the Hoops with the Edinburgh side making it difficult to get into the swing of things during the opening 45 minutes.

Although Celtic failed to created many clear-cut chances, there were still opportunities to get back into the game.

Picking up the ball outside the area, Shen Mengyu tried her luck with a shot from range which deflected towards goal. However, it was a comfortable save for the goalkeeper.

At the beginning of the second half, it was clear to see the Hoops’ intent early on as they quickly went on the hunt for a leveller.

In the early stages, Colette Cavanagh forced the goalkeeper into a big save after cutting inside and striking the ball towards goal.

Amy Gallacher was next to try and test the Hearts keeper from just outside the area with a powerful effort, but it was also saved.

The pressure eventually paid off just over 10 minutes in as Caitlin Hayes was on hand to level up the scoring.

The defender has shown on many occasions how dangerous she can be inside the opposition penalty area, and her striker's instincts were on show once again in the capital.

The ball broke the way of the Ireland internationalist in the box, and she found the bottom corner on the swivel with a half-volleyed effort.

After finding a way back into the match, the emphasis quickly went on trying to find a winner in the second half.

Fran Alonso introduced several changes, with the likes of Maria McAneny and Clare Goldie being brought into the fold. Both subs also had early chances, but ultimately couldn’t test the goalkeeper.

As the game approached the 90^th minute, the biggest chance fell the way of Caitlin Hayes once more, who attempt to direct a header goalbound from a floated cross into the box, but, she just couldn’t hit the target with her effort.

Unfortunately for the Celts they couldn’t find the way to goal again in the second half as they took home a share of the spoils in the capital in their final match of 2023.

Hayes on target as Hoops and Hearts share the spoils