Scottish Women’s Premier League
Thursday, 11 May, 2023
Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC... 3
(Flint 60, O'Riordan 75, Loferski 82

GLASGOW CITY... 1
(Davidson 30)

Celtic FC Women delivered a huge three points at Celtic Park this evening (Thursday), defeating league leaders Glasgow City 3-1 in front of a crowd of 9,553 - a new record attendance for the women's game in Scotland.

Despite going behind early in the game, the Ghirls responded brilliantly in the second half with the goals coming from Tash Flint, Claire O'Riordan and Kit Loferski to reduce the gap at the top of the SWPL table to just two points with two games remaining.

As Fran Alonso’s side looked to settle into the game, Jacynta was first to try her luck at goal after a nice passing move in the midfield. However, her strike went well wide of the target.

Unfortunately for the Hoops, in the 20th-minute, it was Glasgow City who struck first to open the scoring.

A ball in behind looked like it was going to be dealt with by the Celtic defence, but it found its way into the path of Lauren Davidson who made no mistake with her finish, slotting the ball home past Pamela Tajonar.

Despite going behind, as the half went on the Ghirls started to gain more control of the match as they attempted to test Lee Gibson between the sticks.

Shen Mengyu was first to get a shot off at the Glasgow City shot-stopper, but her strike was too straight and was a comfortable save for Gibson.

Confidence continued to grow for the Hoops, and into the second half the home side were well in control as they sought an equaliser.

With the next goal in the match being so crucial, it appeared to be more likely that Celtic would find the back of the net and Caitlin Hayes came so close to doing that early in the second half.

The ball broke the way of the defender as she attempted to find the target with her strike, but it headed wide of the goal.

However, on the hour mark Celts were able to make their period of dominance count as Tash Flint struck her fourth goal in three games against City.

The on-loan Leicester City forward hit a powerful effort towards goal from outside the area, which snuck into the bottom corner and put Celtic back on level terms.

That goal from Flint appeared to ignite the Hoops frontline and they went straight on the attack looking to take the lead.

Flint came close to grabbing her second of the game on a number of occasions, testing Gibson between the sticks with some brilliant strikes from outside the area.

The City shot-stopper was doing well to deny Celtic, but with pressure continuing to pile on the City goal, the Ghirls took the lead with 15 minutes left to play.

A corner into the box from Jacynta found the head of Claire O’Riordan who headed the ball goalbound, and it ended up in the back of the net with the aid of a deflection.

And the three points were then sealed just seven minutes later as substitute Kit Loferski scored her second goal for the club.

The American used her lightning pace to chase down what appeared to be a lost cause, before coming out on top against two Glasgow City defenders.

Remaining composed, Loferski calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give Celtic a 3-1 lead, as the Celtic fans celebrated an impressive display from the Hoops.

Fran Alonso's side are back in action on Sunday when they take on Hibernian, knowing that they're still very much in the hunt for the SWPL title.

CELTIC: Tajonar, O’Riordan, Robertson (Loferski 22), Craig (Clark 46), Gallacher (Otto 83), Jacynta (Fergusson 88), Shen, Kerner (McAneny 70), Hayes, Flint, Menglu (Bowie 88).
Subs: Logan, Cusack, Goldie

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