The fans came in their thousands and Celtic FC Women certainly put on a show for their first match at Celtic Park with fans in attendance yesterday, as the Hoops defeated Hibs 4-0, and sent home thousands of Celtic fans – and the Green Brigade – with lasting memories and hopefully the encouragement to come back and support Fran Alonso’s exciting brand of football.
The Hoops looked right at home at Celtic Park with the expanse of the pitch suiting Celtic’s style of play down to the ground, and after Clarissa Larisey gave the Celts the lead after just 58 seconds it was one way traffic against a Hibs side with whom Celtic have had far more competitive games this season.
Celtic scored further goals through Liv Chance before the break, Jodie Bartle, who headed home the third and Chloe Warrington who finished off the scoring with just six minutes left, following in on goal after Clarissa Larisey’s effort was blocked by English in the Hibs goal.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the game Celtic Head Coach Fran Alonso sang the praises of both the team and the support on a historic day for Celtic FC Women
“I think it was fantastic. I loved the performance, I loved the day in general, I loved the fans, they were outstanding, singing the whole game. Unbelievable. A really, really unbelievable day, and fantastic spirit.
“We were so professional from the beginning, and we kept going to the end. I couldn’t be any more proud of this group. It’s about the team to get the goals. We can get goals from everywhere on the pitch, what a fantastic day. I hope they will never forget.”
Fran Alonso, who donned his Miami Vice inspired lucky blazer – despite his Mum’s pre-match protestations – is right to be proud of his Celtic team and the thousands who filled the North Stand – and Curve – at Celtic Park yesterday.
Hopefully the turnout and performance will let the club see the value of investment in Celtic FC Women going forward, as an opportunity to grow something big at Celtic and to tap into a fast-growing professional game around the world. Celtic really do have to ensure they are part of that development, and days like yesterday underline there is an appetite for women’s football amongst the support, that with genuine investment could see huge rewards.
Fran then attended the Media Room at Celtic Park along with both Clarissa Larisey and Shen. Here’s Fran’s (mobile friendly) reaction to that wonderful afternoon in Paradise…
Next up for Celtic FC Women is a trip to Aberdeen next Sunday for the Scottish Cup quarter final tie and Alonso and his team have their sights very firmly set on a second cup win of the season.
Well done to the thousands of Celtic supporters who attended the game yesterday and in particular to the wonderful efforts from the Green Brigade who never stopped singing all afternoon and made the atmosphere extra special for the players and the management team.
Niall J
Here are some exclusive photos from yesterday afternoon at a sun drenched Paradise…
