SWPL
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Celtic Park

CELTIC… 1
(Gallacher 89)

HIBERNIAN… 0

Paradise was still echoing with the sounds of Celtic celebrations from 24 hours previously, but the thousands of supporters who gathered in the stadium on Sunday afternoon reinvigorated those sounds with their own songs as they celebrated a historic moment for the club.

The dramatic 1-0 victory over Hibernian, courtesy of a last-minute goal from Amy Gallacher, confirmed Celtic as the SWPL champions for the first time in the club’s history, with the scenes of celebration mirrored on and off the park.

Elena Sadiku’s Celtic FC Women’s side are worthy champions, and they secured the title in dramatic style, and on a fitting stage too.

Celtic started the first-half in a positive manner, with Lucy Ashworth-Clifford looking dangerous down the left flank, and they carved out a couple of half-chances in the opening 10 minutes, including a Caitlin Hayes header from a corner which went wide.

However, in the 13 minute it was Hibs who almost took the lead when Jorian Baucom hit the bar, and that sparked a spell of sustained pressure from the visitors.

That culminated with a Kirsty Morrison shot on 24 minutes which produced a stunning fingertip save from Kelsey Daugherty to deny the Hibs player.

The Edinburgh side continued to carve out opportunities, and on the half-hour mark Baucom was put through on goal but she put her effort wide of the target.

The Hoops almost took the lead five minutes later when the Hibs keeper failed to hold a Murphy Agnew cross but the ball went out for a corner.

And with six minutes of the half remaining, Agnew smashed a left-foot shot from the 18-yard line which crashed off the crossbar.

Within two minutes of the restart, Celtic had a strong claim for a penalty when Agnew was brought down inside the box, but the referee waved away the claims.

Elena Sadiku’s side were pressing forward in search of that vital breakthrough, and on 53 minutes captain Kelly Clark came close with a volley after Caitlin Hayes had headed the ball back into the middle of the area, but her shot went over.

Hibs were offering less of an attacking threat in this half, and the next chance came on 59 minutes when Tash Flint had a powerful left-foot shot which was tipped over the bar.

And two minutes later, the Celtic striker had another chance when she was the first to react after Chloe Craig had challenged the keeper, but her lob went over the bar.

On 67 minutes, Hayes had a header blocked by the keeper at the back post, while five minutes later, Natalie Ross tried her luck from 25 yards out, but it was straight at the keeper.

But just when it looked as though the title might slip away from Celtic, top goalscorer Amy Gallacher stepped up and fired home the winner, fashioning enough space inside the box to fire home.

It sparked scenes of jubilation inside the stadium, and a few more nervy minutes before the final whistle signaled that Celtic FC Women had become the SWPL champions for the first time in the club’s history.

Amy Gallacher fires Celts to title with last-gasp winner at Paradise