Two late goals saw Celtic FC Women secure victory in their first pre-season game of the summer tour in Sweden!
The line-up from the Stockholm Stadium read Kelsey Daugherty, Amy Gallacher, Jenny Smith, Signe Carstens, Shannon McGregor, Kelly Clark, Caitlin Hayes, Lucy Ashworth-Clifford, Bruna Lourenço, Clare Goldie and Maria McAneny as the Ghirls got ready for action.
We may be in Sweden, but there is no escaping Scotland 🏴😆#CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/Pm6eil2aBK
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) August 3, 2024
Despite some rain to remind the squad of home prior to kick-off, the game got underway without issue and in the opening ten minutes, it was an even affair. Celtic enjoyed plenty of possession and were building out from the back as usual, but it was Djurgarden who had the first two efforts on goal.
However it was Celtic who came closest to the opener with half an hour gone as McAneny sent a cross into the box. Both Gallacher and McGregor stretched for the ball but couldn’t divert it goalward and the chance was gone.
Good pressing on display from the Elena Sadiku’s Celtic side in her homeland but the first half ultimately ended goalless, but a positive first 45 minutes of the season from the Scottish Champions.
Daugherty and McAneny made way for Lisa Rodgers and Murphy Agnew as the game got underway again. McGregor and Smith showed their quality early into the second phase of play with attempts to move the team into the opposition’s final third.
Goalless at the break
McGregor came close to scoring with 15 minutes left as she caught on to a loose ball. She took a shot first time but it went narrowly wide. However it was our Swedish opponents who opened the scoring on 79 minutes with a fantastic strike from distance. It struck the underside of the bar and went in giving Rodgers no chance, putting the hosts in front.
Celtic though were far from finished. With two minutes left to play, Hayes brought us level. She latched on to a long ball and tapped it into the net. It’s certainly not the first time that the Ireland international centre-back has scored an important goal for Celtic late in a match.
Late drama as Celtic turn defeat into victory
And as we entered the final stages, Caitlin’s Irish teammate and new signing Celtic Saoirse Noonan fired home in the 90th minute to give Celtic a brilliant win in their opening game of pre-season against a strong opponent.
This was a fantastic game to build up fitness and even better to come away with a impressive victory! My own prediction of 2-0 was almost correct so let’s hope that’s a sign that I’ll have many more correct predictions than I did last campaign!
A late turn around sees Celtic secure victory in their opening match in Stockholm 👌👏#CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/nOZqh6hrX3
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) August 3, 2024
On Wednesday afternoon, Celtic face Hammarby for their second and final pre-season game and Elena will be looking for a second victory on her home soil.
The following Saturday (10 August), the Ghirls return to Paradise for flag day, against Dundee United at Celtic Park. It will be a great day out for the Celtic support and our ONLY chance to go to Celtic Park on a Saturday in August to watch a game.
Why not go along and give the Ghirls a cheer? Kick-off is at 1pm and tickets are priced at £10 for adults and just £1 for children and you can order HERE.
Jessica Elliott
How did you get to see the game ? was it a 3 5 2 formation ? and why no Loverski is she injured ? Hail hail
Match report was written using online updates on the game. Sadly, my first time season the Ghirls will be the same as everyone else, next Saturday at Paradise.
We’ll try and get an update on Loferski ASAP.
Thanks , Nat Ross was missing too maybe just at different fitness levels pre season , Hail hail .
good result …the girls never let the club down…will see @ celtic park..hail hail..
Scoring late goals is becoming a habit for the team. I shouldn’t be too surprised though, they do wear the hoops!