SWPL

Sunday, March 17

Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie

CELTIC…2

(Flint 4, 42)

RANGERS…1

(Ross 78)

Celtic FC Women closed the gap at the top of the SWPL to just one point, after defeating Rangers 2-1 in the St Patrick’s Day Glasgow derby.

A first-half double from Tash Flint was ultimately enough to secure all three points for the Hoops, following an impressive performance at the Excelsior Stadium.

Heading into Sunday’s derby match, the Ghirls kicked-off the first of 10 post-split fixtures as we enter the business stage of the 2023/24 campaign.

In recent weeks, Elena Sadiku’s side have set the tone early on in matches with a quick goal, and they continued that same rhythm this afternoon (Sunday).

Opening the scoring just four minutes into the match, Tash Flint was on hand to grab her first of two goals against Rangers on the day.

Following some lovely play building out from the back, Kit Loferski released Flint with a fantastic through ball in behind the Rangers defence.

Seeing her first effort saved by the goalkeeper, the Celtic forward made no mistake with her finish, tapping the ball home from close range.

Continuing in the ascendancy in the opening stages, the Celts came very close to grabbing a quick-fire second just moments later.

As she had done all afternoon, Lucy Ashworth-Clifford was causing all sorts of carnage for the visitors down the left hand side.

Whipping a powerful cross into the six-yard box, Loferski looked to get a toe on to the ball, but she just couldn’t get enough on the ball to direct it goalward.

Throughout the first half, the Hoops were doing really well to restrict the away side to shots from range, which were comfortably held by Kelsey Daugherty.

Heading towards the half-time whistle, the Ghirls managed to double their lead with just a few minutes left in the half as Flint scored her second of the afternoon.

After another wonderful delivery from Ashworth-Clifford, the Rangers defence failed to deal with the delivery into the box. Falling to Flint inside the area, the striker produced a fantastic first-time finish into the bottom corner on the volley.

The Celts continued to push in the second half for more goals, with their threat coming on the break as Loferski looked to use her pace.

However, it was a cagier affair with the Ghirls looking to make sure of all three points after a terrific display in Airdrie.

With 12 minutes remaining on the clock, the away side managed to pull one back through substitute Jane Ross.

But the Hoops remained firm in defence, seeing out the victory and sealing all three points in what could be a hugely important afternoon in the title race.

With just one points between the top three sides, the Ghirls will be aiming to build upon another fantastic result and performance on St Patrick’s Day.

Flint sparks St Patrick’s Day derby win for Celts