Celtic’s first semi-final of the month is at Forthbank in Stirling this afternoon

This afternoon we’ll be heading to Forthbank Stadium in Stirling for the SWPL Cup semi-final between Fran Alonso’s Celtic and Hibs. It’s a 4.30pm kick-off and it’s good old fashioned pay at the gate, with tickets priced at just £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.

And there’s more, if you fancy spending all afternoon watching football then for the same entrance money you can watch not one but two SWPL Cup semi-finals. The first semi-final is between Glasgow City and Spartans and that kicks-off at midday with the Celtic v Hibs match following at 4.30pm. Both games take place at Forthbank in Stirling and paying at the turnstiles allows you to watch both games if you fancy it.

The Celtic Star will be turning up in time for the Celtic v Hibs game. Our opponents are the holders and have a great record in this competition – which Celtic don’t – Hibs having lifted the cup seven times including on the last four occasions.

Celtic of course reached the semi-final after a fine 1-0 away win against theRangers in the quarter finals a fortnight ago, with the only goal of the game coming from Celtic’s on-fire striker Charlie Wellings. Charlie also scored a stunning last minute winner in the recent match against Hibs in the SWPL.

Fran Alonso spoke last week about how much it would mean to lead Celtic out at the SWPL Cup Final at Firhill at the start of December and to get his hands on the trophy, which would be his first piece of silverware as the Celtic FC Women manager.

Next weekend Ange Postecoglou is in exactly the same position as he takes his side to Hampden to play League Cup holders St Johnstone as he too looks to reach a final and lift his first piece of silverware as the Celtic manager.

Incidentally one other wee point to raise on women’s football in Scotland. After Hibs attracted over 5000 supporters to Easter Road for their 3-0 win over Hearts in the recent SWPL Edinburgh Derby, Hearts last week announced that the forthcoming home fixture against Hibs will be played at Tynecastle with free admission available for Hearts supporters as they attempt to smash the Hibs attendance record.

Celtic have already given season ticket holders a commitment in their renewals this summer that at least one Celtic FC Women match would be played at Celtic Park and would be included in this season’s season ticket. Nothing from the club about that so far this season as both Hibs and Hearts lead the way in opening up the game to their wider support. What are you waiting for Celtic?

Here are the details on today’s semi-finals. If you can make it along to Forthbank but want to watch the match there is a free live stream on the SWPL You Tube channel.