Scottish Women’s Premier League
Sunday, May 14, 2023
Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh

HIBERNIAN... 1
(Nor Mustafa 94)

CELTIC... 2
(Loferski 16, O’Riordan 35)

Celtic FC Women picked up all three points in the penultimate game of the SWPL season, defeating Hibernian 2-1 in the capital.

First half goals from Kit Loferski and Claire O’Riordan were enough to see off the Edinburgh side, and send the Hoops into the final day of the campaign still in the fight for the league title.

The Celts came into this game in the capital full of confidence off the back of a record-breaking night at Celtic Park on Thursday evening, when the Ghirls defeated Glasgow City 3-1.

With Fran Alonso’s side looking to continue their title charge, another three points was vitally important at Meadowbank Stadium.

In the opening stages of the match, it was Hibernian who had the best openings as they tried to spring a surprise and pick up a victory in their final home game of the campaign.

Pamela Tajonar produced a good save inside 10 minutes to keep the scores level, with the Hibs forward racing through on goal.

Following that opportunity, the Hoops started to take control of the game and on 16 minutes Kit Loferski opened the scoring.

After scoring her second goal for the club on Thursday, the American followed it up with another strike this afternoon, finishing off a good team move.

Picking the ball up in a deep area of the pitch, Tash Flint spread the play out wide to Shen Menglu with a brilliant pass. The winger then produced a dangerous cross into the box, which found Loferski, who did well to lift the ball over the goalkeeper.

Celtic’s attacking play started to ramp up, and Jacynta was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in the opening 45 minutes after having a number of efforts on goal.

It didn’t take too long for the Hoops to double their lead, however, as Clare O’Riordan headed the ball home just after the half-hour mark.

A dangerous free kick into the box from Jacynta found the head of the Irish internationalist, and she directed her effort into the back of the net.

With the half coming to an end, Loferski was unfortunate not to add to her own and Celtic’s tally. A brilliant individual run created space for the forward to get a strike on goal, but it was saved well by the Hibs goalkeeper.

Although the Celts’ attacking intent continued into the second half, the Ghirls couldn’t create as many clear-cut chances to test the home side’s shot-stopper.

Shortly after the restart, Loferski was able to get another strike off on goal, but it was a comfortable enough save.

As the half went on, Fran Alonso and his coaching staff were able to make a number of changes to fresh things up, particularly after the efforts put in just three days earlier.

Those changes included a debut for Under-18 midfielder, Lucy Barclay, who came on to make her first appearance for the first-team.

Substitute Claire Goldie was also looking to make her impact after being introduced in the second half. The youngster tried her luck from range on two occasions but ultimately couldn’t get her shot on target.

Heading into stoppage time, Celtic looked well on their way to securing all three points after putting in a comfortable performance in the capital.

However, the home side were able to pull a goal back from a set-piece through Nor Mustafa, who forced the ball home from close range.

Straight from kick off Hibs went on the attack once again, and in the dying seconds came close to scoring a shock equaliser, but Tajonar pulled off another important save to secure victory for the Celts.

Victory at Meadowbank leaves Celtic still in the hunt for top spot heading into the final day of the season, with the Ghirls take on Hearts at the Excelsior Stadium next Sunday.

CELTIC: Tajonar, O’Riordan, Gallacher (McAneny 52), Jacynta (Fergusson 60), Shen (Otto 60), Clark, Hayes, Loferski, Bowie, Flint (Goldie 60), Menglu (Barclay 74).
Subs: Logan, Craig, Cusack, Sharkey

Hoops beat Hibs as SWPL title race goes down to the wire