Scottish Women’s Premier League
Friday, February 24, 2023
Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie

Celtic... 3
(Hayes 15 & 48, Gallacher 46)

Rangers... 0

Celtic FC Women delivered the perfect start to a weekend of Glasgow Derby action with a superb 3-0 victory over Rangers at the Excelsior Stadium tonight (Friday).

Caitlin Hayes netted a double while Amy Gallacher also got on the scoresheet as Fran Alonso's side picked up three vital league points against their city rivals.

It was a cagey start to the game as both teams looked to grab control in the early stages of the derby, but January signing Natasha Flint almost made an instant impact on her first start for the club.

Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, the forward struck an effort towards goal which came off the outside of the post.

The Hoops continued to build momentum in the game and got their reward on 15 minutes when Caitlin Hayes gave them the lead, rising highest inside the six-yard box to powerfully head the ball into the back of the Rangers net.

Celtic continued to look strong, keeping good possesion and defending well whenever the visitors tried to mount an attack, with goalkeeper Pamela Tajonar making a few comfortable saves.

Fran Alonso’s side had been impressive start in the opening 45 minutes, and things got even better after the break, as they doubled their lead within a minute of the restart.

A superb run from Menglu allowed the winger create space before delivering a low cross into the box. Flint almost got on the end of it, but it just didn’t fall her way.

However, the ball did land at the feet of Amy Gallacher who coolly slotted the ball under the Rangers keeper to give the Celts a 2-0 lead.

Things got even better for the Hoops just minutes later, as Hayes scored her second and Celtic’s third goal of the game.

In almost a rerun of the opening goal, the English defender turned home a corner with another fantastic header.

Celtic thought they had scored a fourth goal just past hour mark, as Flint tucked a lovely finish into the far corner, but the assistant's flag was quickly raised for offside.

Fran Alonso's side produced a perfect mix of a strong defensive performance and ruthlessness up front to secure a fantastic three points, taking Celtic four points clear of their Glasgow rivals and joint top of the SWPL table.

CELTIC: Tajonar, O’Riordan, Ross (McAneny 76), Gallacher, Jacynta (Robertson 63), Chance, Clark, Kerner, Hayes (Otto 83), Flint (Fergusson 83), Menglu (Bowie 76).
Subs: Shen, Goldie, Cusack, Ferns

Derby delight for Celtic FC Women with impressive victory over Rangers