It was a case of double delight for Celtic in Airdrie yesterday as the Excelsior Stadium staged not one but two crucial matches kicking off with the early afternoon Lowland League match between Celtic and Hearts.
The only goals in this match came in right at the start and at the end of the match and both were for Celtic to give the Celtic B team a 2-0 win to kick-start what we hope is a perfect weekend with a Beautiful Sunday at Hampden tomorrow. Bruno Davidson started the Celtic party in the second minute and there was no further goalscoring action until Corey Thomson made sure of the three points just before the final whistle.
Then it was the turn of Celtic FC Women who knew that a win over current Champions theRangers, a side that has not lost in the league since the final day of the season before last (that defeat, incidentally cost Celtic the title), would take Celtic to the top of the league ahead of Glasgow City who play tomorrow.
However Glasgow City have to come to Airdrie next Sunday and will know after watching last night’s action that they will be facing a strong, talented in form Celtic side with the bit between their teeth.
Fran Alonso promised to take the game to theRangers and with the likes of Menglu, Gallacher, Jacynta and new Ghirl Flint all starting the intent was there in the team sheet.
Yet theRangers started well enough and probably had the bulk of the play early doors but it was Celtic who came closest to opening the score when the striker on loan from Leicester City (where she’ fondly referred to as the Goal Machine), smashed her first effort for Celtic past theRangers keeper who was saved by the woodwork.
TADHAL DO @CelticFCWomen ! ⚽️@caitlin5hayes header gives Celtic the lead! ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/0pd8COjlcl
— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) February 24, 2023
The opener didn’t take long to come and Jacynta, who was a pre-match doubt but was hardy, determined and classy throughout, swung in the perfect corner kick to allow Caitlin Hayes to dominate theRangers weakness in the centre of defence to head home the opener. It looked like a simple enough goal but it’s fair to say that it came straight off the practice ground at Barrowfield, where Hayes had been heading home Jacynta corners all week!
⚽️ TADHAL DO @CelticFCWomen! ⚽️
Start of the 2nd half and Celtic get that important 2nd goal thanks to @amygallacherr! ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/nbjSWb8qoZ
— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) February 24, 2023
That goal was the difference at the interval and things were to go from bad to worse for a team that clearly had forgotten how to lose in the SWPL1. The reminder was delicious to watch. Straight from the kick-off Celtic worked the ball out to Menglu, the pacy Chinese winger had theRangers defence terrified all night long, and this time she set up Amy Gallacher whose connection was by no means perfect but the great grand daughter of Celtic legend Patsy wasn’t caring too much about that as it found the back of the net to double Celtic’s lead.
⚽️ TADHAL EILE DO @CelticFCWomen! ⚽️
And just like that it’s 3 for Celtic!! @caitlin5hayes with another header! ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ISrc6hXZFW
— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) February 24, 2023
Before theRangers could respond to the latest blow, Celtic won another corner, it actually should have been a penalty kick but although clearly fouled from behind Menglu stayed on her feet and the referee pointed to the corner flag. Well that’s probably as good as a penalty with this combo, Jacynta strolled over placed the ball for the 100th time this week and put it wear she was told to, right on the distinctive pink headband of the Celtic centre half who casually nodded into theRangers net to the delight of the Celtic support in the sizeable crowd at the game.
Ball san lìon ach chan eil e a’ cunntadh!
Celtic get the ball in the net but it is ruled out for offside! pic.twitter.com/ljxHResslY
— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) February 24, 2023
The Goal Machine thought that she’d made it 4-0 but Natalie Ross was flagged offside but that didn’t matter. Celtic had laid down a title marker, hit the top of the league looking down on Glasgow City – for now – and moved four points clear of theRangers.
Celtic play Hamilton in midweek and must win that one then it’s Glasgow City at Airdrie next Sunday and Fran Alonso will have the team up for that one. Meanwhile the reward for the Ghirls for all the hard work they’ve put in this season, is a trip to Hampden tomorrow to support the Bhoys in the League Cup Final against theRangers.
The Celtic B Team got the weekend off to a perfect start, the Ghirls gave us a Friday Night Skelping to remember and now it’s over to Ange Postecoglou and his team to deliver a Beautiful Sunday to round off what will be a brilliant weekend for Celtic.
