SWPL1 – theRANGERS 2 CELTIC 2…
Celtic stage a stunning comeback in the first Glasgow derby of the season as we share the points with theRangers at Broadwood.
Kirsty Howat netted in the fourth minute to open the scoring. The ball fell to her on the edge of the area after a misplaced Celtic header and her first-time volley evaded Kelsey Daugherty whose vision was restricted by a Rangers player standing two yards offside. However the goal was given.
🗣 “Well that’s not bad for starters”
Kirsty Howat gives Rangers an early lead! Watch live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/0NqYMIEeG3
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 3, 2024
The visitors were kept relatively quiet by theRangers as the first half went on, with no Celtic player able to find a meaningful breakthrough. TheRangers goalkeeper made a good save to deny the Celts from a corner as the game approached the break but nothing else really tested her.
Elena Sadiku’s squad looked like they could find a goal as the second half got underway. Murphy Agnew and Morgan Cross were pushing at the front, while Kelly Clark, Bruna Lourenço and Caitlin Hayes were staying strong at the back.
But as the hosts started to push forward again, a referee decision changed the game. A cross was sent into the box and he ruled that the ball had hit Emma Lawton’s arm inside of the box.
🗣️ “Rangers have a firm grip on Derby Day now!”
Katie Wilkinson makes it 2-0 from the spot 😎 pic.twitter.com/4HscjZDB0s
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 3, 2024
Despite it not looking like it was inside of the box, there was nothing to do as there is no VAR in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, meaning that the referee’s decision stood. Katie Wilkinson stepped up to the spot and converted to make it two. Television replays later showed the handball to be outside the area.
With just over 20 minutes to go, it went the other way as a Celtic player was brought down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot in theRangers’ box. Substitute Saoirse Noonan stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
And there was more action to come as with three minutes to go, Celya Barclais, another substitute, smashed a loose ball off the post and in to equalise for Celtic on Glasgow Derby day.
🤯 “They have shown their powers of recovery on Derby Day!”
Celtic come from 2-0 down to level the match with just a few minutes to play ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/SaomLpaTo8
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 3, 2024
The Celts tried to push for a late winner and Noonan had the chance in the dying embers. The Celtic Star Editor earlier today had predicted a scoreline of theRangers 2 Celtic 3 and it looked for one magical moment that it was actually going to happen. Noonan unfortunately didn’t get over the ball and it sailed over the crossbar with the goal at her mercy. However, the Irish striker showed why she deserves to be starting for her impact on the match, yet again.
So with the first derby ending all square, Celtic still sit third in the table, two points behind theRangers and one point behind Glasgow City, but they still have to play each other in this first round of fixtures, so points will be dropped and Celtic can take advantage.
Elena Sadiku will hope that her side can get one over on arch-rival Jo Potter’s side the next time as Celtic desperately want to retain the title and return to the Champions League next season via the Champions route.
🍀 “So proud of the girls”
❌ “First Rangers goal was offside”
❌ “Penalty incident was outside the box”Elena Sadiku gives her thoughts on tonight’s come-from-behind 2-2 draw with Rangers ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/xskvQLZVJy
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 3, 2024
Jessica Elliott
🍀 “We’re happy with a point in the end but I think we could’ve snuck three.”
Celtic goal scorers Saoirse Noonan and Celya Barclais react to tonight’s Old Firm comeback ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/BqqxlR8Ww6
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 3, 2024
We really lack composure in front of goal imo and can we please stop subing Agnew off , i presume Kit is injured again , but coming back from two down away from home was a real MORAL victory , COYGIG Hail hail