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Celtic mess up wonderful opportunity to promote the Women’s game this evening against Rangers

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Copyright: Jeff Holmes

It’s safe to say something had been missing from Celtic’s opening two SWPL encounters of the year after the winter break was extended by an additional few months due to the Government restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic.

The disappointing three goal reverse to Glasgow City, and the underwhelming – particularly in the first half – performance as Celtic defeated Hearts by the same scoreline, was detached somewhat from the early season form, and it wasn’t simply down to an extended period without competitive football.

J Mariah Lee of Celtic Women FC Photo: Malcolm Mackenzie

However what was initially expected to be a tough and frustrating Sunday afternoon for Celtic against Spartans at Ainslie Park last weekend didn’t go to form as Celtic thumped a normally strong defensive Edinburgh outfit 5-1.

Much of that was down to the inclusion and subsequent performance of Anna Filbey in Fran Alonso’s starting line-up, though it should also be noted Alonso’s recognising the difficulties in implementing, and as such dispensing, with a confusing hybrid formation, and reverting to a solid back four, certainly played a part.

Celtic’s on loan Tottenham Hotspur midfielder not only played a huge part in the result itself, with both a goal and assist, she also helped bridge something else that had been missing from Celtic’s midfield, namely the loss of Natalie Ross as someone who could link midfield with attack, run beyond the strikers and wreak havoc in the opposition area. Filbey’s performance was instrumental in Celtic’s emerging victorious and covering for the hugely effective part her injured flatmate plays in Celtic’s style of play.

Speaking to CelticFC.com in the pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s Glasgow Derby, at Celtic Park no less, Anna clearly relished the attacking role she was designated by Fran Alonso

“We had a game on the Sunday against Spartans and I had a slightly different role to play, I was playing a bit higher, and to be honest I loved it,” she said.

Charlie Estcourt 16 Wales and Anna Filbey 2 Wales

“It was nice to get a bit higher up the pitch and get involved in the play. To get a goal and an assist was nice, I really enjoyed it.”

Now Celtic head into the second must win match in only four days, and the not insignificant additional pressure of a Glasgow Derby. One against an opponent who are currently five points ahead of Celtic in the race for league titles and Champion’s League places.

If Anna didn’t know what to expect she’s certainly aware now of the must win nature of the game and the intense rivalry between her new club and tonight’s opponents.

“I’m definitely aware of what it means. From going to the stadium when I signed, I think that set it up for me – I had the butterflies and the goose bumps. I’m fully prepared for this game, I’m ready for it and we’re going to fight for it.

“I think it was crucial after the Glasgow City game to get those two wins which has given us momentum and has really set us up going into this game. Hopefully we can carry it on!”

Such momentum following back-to-back league wins will be vital, as will Anna Filbey’s ability to link midfield with attack and cause confusion in a usually well organised theRangers backline.

Photo: Malcolm Mackenzie

Allied to that, Fran Alonso has recognised the time for tactical experimentation may not have been following the restart, then it bodes well for a free scoring and confident Celtic side heading into an encounter, where the size of the Celtic Park playing surface can only benefit Celtic’s style of play, as well as having an opportunity to play on the hallowed turf as a further inspiration.

If ever there was a game where you feel for the players not being able to have a support in the ground then tonight will be the night for this Celtic team. Let’s hope this is the first opportunity to grace Celtic Park and that there will be many more to come for this group of players.

Celtic vs theRangers is live on BBC Alba tonight and Kick off is at 19.35, against a side Celtic have already defeated by way of a late penalty kick, awarded after one of those ‘honest mistakes’ from Scottish officials that seems to transcend from the men’s to the women’s game. We are not surprised, are we?

Good luck to the Celts tonight. COYGIG!

Niall J

Good luck to Cynic Women who have been granted access to the Glasgow Derby this evening by Celtic PR team. Like The Celtic Star the team at the Cynic have covered Celtic’s SWPL1 campaign every step of the way. It’s great to see that others in the fans media have now started to provide the women’s team with coverage in recent weeks.

Sadly though Celtic did NOT issue an invitation to The Celtic Star to attend this evening game. Kick in the Teeth CSC. Probably something to do with our Editor mentioning an Honest Mistake in the last game. Back of the Bus CSC.

COYGIG

About Author

As a Bellshill Bhoy I was taken to my first Celtic game in the summer of 1987. It was Billy McNeill’s return to Celtic Park as manager and Celtic lost 5-1 to Arsenal . I thought I was a jinx, I think my Grandfather might have thought the same. It was the finest gift anyone ever gave me when he walked me through Parkhead's gates.

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