Celtic went into the SWPL1 winter break on the back of an inspiring 5-0 win over Motherwell on Sunday.
It was a result that left Celtic only two points off the pace in a league campaign that has seen the Celts go unbeaten since losing their only league game to Glasgow City on the opening day of the season.
As a result, the team have certainly been getting all the plaudits they deserve, but there has been an individual award this week that has been just as warranted.
Celtic midfielder, and heartbeat of the side Lisa Robertson, has won the November player of the month award. Lisa beat of competition from the other nominee’s including Lori Gardner (Motherwell), Rebecca McGowan (St Johnstone), and Tegan Browning (Boroughmuir Thistle).
Lisa was an ever-present member of a Celtic team who played four games in November and won them all. The two standout results were the late, late Derby victory on Beautiful Sunday, as the Celts defeated theRangers 1-0, and a stunning 6-2 win against Hibs in a game where Robertson herself scored a sensational strike.
Robertson scored five minutes before the half-time having already played an important part in supplying attacker Anita for another fine goal. Lisa gained possession, held onto it with sheer determination, then pirouetted in the middle of the park before feeding Rachel Donaldson in space who in turn found Anita breaking the offside trap to produce a fine chipped finish.
We described Lisa’s goal as a world class strike in The Celtic Star match report that night, and we haven’t changed our minds since. It was a 30 yard left footed rocket that flew past the keeper and into the net, supplied by a stylish assist from Natalie Ross, in a game where Celtic dominated an opponent with their own title aspirations and on a ground where Celtic were expected to struggle.
Discusing the award on the Celtic website Lisa had this to say on the back of her impressive accolade as well as taking the time out to comment on Celtic’s season so far:
“I’m really pleased to have been recognised and to win this award. November was a brilliant month for the team and I was delighted to play my part in our success.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who voted for me and to my teammates. Without them, you don’t win individual awards.”
“The defeat to Glasgow City was disappointing but I think we’ve shown since that we’ve got the ability to bounce back and challenge this season against every team. The victories against Rangers and Hibernian in particular were massive for us. Not only has it put us in the running for the top places in the league, it lifted the squad as a whole.”
As well as winning the public vote, Lisa was also the choice of the head coaches who also voted for the award to ensure there could be no debate.
There have been several impressive performers for Celtic this season and I’m sure Lisa Robertson would point to the form of Chloe Logan in goal, Captain Kelly Clark, Natalie Ross, Summer Green as well as Sarah Ewens who has been consistent and impressive on the wing. But Lisa has not only been the best player in November she has been the most consistent performer for Celtic all season, and carried it on last weekend with a brilliant performance and a top-class goal in the win against Motherwell.
Getting the November player of the month award is of course very much deserved but don’t be too surprised if it’s Lisa Robertson picking up the annual award when the season ends. Hopefully alongside the SWPL1 trophy.
Niall J
