Sky Sports Cup
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex

CELTIC…1

(Howe 36)

SPARTANS…0

Celtic FC Women booked their place in the next round of the Sky Sports Cup on Sunday afternoon, running out 1-0 winners against Spartans.

Casey Howe’s first-half strike was enough to separate the two side’s as the Hoops secured their place in the quarter-finals.

As the Ghirls kicked-off their Sky Sports Cup campaign, Grant Scott rung the changes within his side.

The Celtic boss made six changes to his starting 11, with Lisa Rodgers making her first appearance between the sticks, being joined in the side by Poppy Lawson, Chloe Craig, Hannah Luke, Lisa Robertson and Amy Gallacher.

The latter of which took the captain’s armband as Kelly Clark took her place on the bench for the first time since this season.

The Celts quickly looked to take the game to Spartans as they eyed up a quick start to proceedings with an early goal.

Chloe Arthur was first to try her luck with a shot from distance as she looked to re-open her Celtic account.

The midfielder was unfortunate not to find the target, seeing an effort go narrowly wide of the target.

Amy Gallacher was the first to test the goalkeeper for the Hoops, picking up a space on the edge of the area. But her shot was a comfortable take for the goalkeeper.

Despite their positive start, Celtic had to be wary of the away’s side’s threats on the counter attack, with Spartans looking to break.

The Edinburgh side were unfortunate themselves with an effort, which came off the post, before being cleared by Celtic.

The seemed to spark Celtic into life, and around nine minutes from the break, Casey Howe struck to put the Hoops ahead.

It was another superbly taken finish by the winger, who found the far bottom corner from the angle on the left-hand side, with the ball nestling into the back of the net.

That goal gave Celtic the advantage at the break, which was one Grant Scott and his side would be delighted to take in as they aimed to advance in the cup.

The second half started quickly for the Ghirls, who were once again on the front foot, looking to add a second.

After finding some space, Maria McAneny looked to strike towards goal, but her shot from distance went over the crossbar.

Moments later, Howe went close to adding her and Celtic’s second from the day, striking the crossbar with a curling effort.

Celtic were doing well to maintain pressure on the Spartans goal, with Howe and Amy Gallacher both having further efforts saved.

Despite having plenty of chances, the Celts will have come away frustrated that they couldn’t make more of their opportunities.

There were positive introductions from the bench as Academy youngster, Freya McIndoe came on to make her first senior appearance for the club.

Whilst there was also a return to action for Shannon McGregor, who made her first appearance of the campaign, coming off the bench in the closing stages.

Ultimately, it was job done for the Hoops, who booked their place in the last eight of the Sky Sports Cup.

Celtic will be aiming to continue their strong start to the season when they welcome Motherwell to Kirkintilloch on Friday evening (7:30pm KO).

CELTIC: Rodgers, Handley (McIndoe 66), Lawson, Craig, Luke (Tobin 66), Arthur (McGregor 77), Robertson, Jordan, Howe, McAneny, Gallacher (Momo 77)

Subs: Gay, Fisher, Rabjohn, Clark, Morgan

Ghirls book their place in the last eight of Sky Sports Cup