Alonso’s title challengers have ‘been there, done that, worn the t-shirt’

Fran Alonso was surprised by the result but not by the performance of his title challenging Celtic FC Women side who tried their best to match the scoreline up at Tannadice earlier in the day but came up one goal short. Still, there will be no bragging rights involved for the Bhoys because when it comes to 9-0 victories this season the Ghirls can simply say, ‘been there, done that, worn the t-shirt.’

If you are wondering what we’re going on about Celtic FC Women beat Hibs 9-0 on the opening day of the SWPL1 season.

Fran Alonso encoring the Ghirls at K-Park yesterday afternoon

The Celtic boss was well aware of the threat of this Motherwell side who went into yesterday’s game with confidence high after a decent start to the season. “Two weeks ago they only lost with the last kick of the ball against Glasgow City and they had chances in that game, so they are a good team. They are well-organised, well-drilled and physical so we knew it was a massive challenge,” Fran said.

“We were confident because we’ve trained very well, but I didn’t expect a result like that. On the day we were outstanding and I’m really proud of the girls,” Alonso told Colette Carr from Celtic TV after yesterday’s second best Celtic result of the day.

READ THIS…Motherwell 0 – 8 Celtic FC Women – Just Seventeen, You Know What I Mean

Caitlin Hayes got a double, as did Clarissa Larisey and Jacynta came off the bench to grab a couple of goals for herself in the closing stages while Chloe Craig and Lucy Ashworth-Clifford pitched in with a goal apiece, so its goals from defenders, wingers, the main striker and also from the bench, a fact that certainly pleases the Celtic gaffer.

“This is very important. We have to replace 40 goals from one player, but so far we have so many different scorers. We are a threat everywhere on the pitch and I’m delighted. It’s credit to the girls, but credit to David (Haley) who puts a lot of emphasis on the set plays and David puts a lot detail into it and today it’s came off perfectly. It’s what team effort is.”

And Fran had a special word on Lucy Ashworth-Clifford who he revealed he attempted to sign last year but it’s certainly looking a case of better late than never as she’s certainly made an impressive start to her time at the club. “I tried to sign Lucy last year but finally got her. From the first time I saw her I knew she was a player that can have an incredible career and I really wanted to work with her.

“From day one it’s a new system and formation and every week she’s growing and you can see it in training and games. The whole team deserves a huge mark but I would agree Lucy was outstanding today.”

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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