Scottish Women’s Premier League
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie

CELTIC…1
(Hayes 53)

RANGERS… 2
(Maclean 59, Hardy 81)

Celtic FC Women suffered defeat in the SWPL for the first time this season this afternoon (Sunday), losing out 2-1 in the Glasgow Derby.

Despite taking the lead through Caitlin Hayes early in the second half, the away side fought back and scored late on to take home all three points.

The opening 45 minutes proved to be an even affair between both sides as they looked to break the deadlock in the opening derby fixture of the campaign.

The Celts were playing well, aiming to win the ball back high up the pitch and create opportunities in dangerous areas. However, with half-an-hour gone, they failed to really trouble the Rangers shot-stopper.

That being said, Kelsey Daugherty between the sticks for the Hoops didn’t have all that much to do in the first half aside from a few saves from distance.

On the half-hour mark, the American had to be quick to react to a long ball over the top. However, she did well to deal with any danger.

The Ghirls’ best opportunity of the opening half came the way of Murphy Agnew after latching on to a ball over the top.

The Celtic forward reacted well, beating Katherine Hill to the ball before rounding Jenna Fife. But the angle was just too tight for Murphy in the wide area as she flashed the ball across goal.

Jenny Smith also looked to come close to an opener for the Celts, smashing an effort from range off the crossbar. But the flag was quickly up for offside from Amy Gallacher’s initial shot.

Heading into the second half, the Celts started strongly as Chloe Craig and Amy Gallacher saw their efforts from long range held easily by Fife.

But, on the 53^rd minute mark the Hoops broke the deadlock as Caitlin Hayes rose highest to head the ball home from a corner.

Shen Mengyu’s delivery to the back post met the defender’s run perfectly as she powered the ball into the far top corner.

After setting up the opening goal, the Celts quickly went on the hunt for a second as Shen looked to turn scorer, following her assist for the opening goal. But her shot through a crowd of bodies was comfortably held.

Unfortunately for Fran Alonso’s side, it didn’t take long for the visitors to level up the scoring as Kirsty Maclean tucked the ball home with a tidy finish from a cutback just before the half-hour mark.

With the fixture all square heading into the final 30 minutes of action, the away side seemed to grow in confidence from their leveller.

Although the Celts tried to hit on the break, after introducing the likes of Kit Loferski to the game, they ultimately couldn’t create enough clear cut chances in the closing stages.

And with nine minutes of regular time remaining, the away side hit the Ghirls with a sucker punch, scoring what would end up being the winning goal.

A cross into the box was met by Rio Hardy inside the six yard box, who headed the ball into the back of the net from close range.

Unfortunately for the Hoops, that goal inflicted their first domestic defeat of the season, bringing their 10-game unbeaten run to an end.

After a terrific start to the campaign, Fran Alonso’s side won’t be left deflated by Sunday’s result as we head into the international break.

Next up for the Celts on their return to action in two weeks’ time is a trip to take on Dundee United on Sunday, November 5.

Ghirls lose out for the first time in the SWPL this season