Celtic’s reward for a Glasgow Derby Sunday ‘skelping of theRangers yesterday afternoon is a Quarter Final Scottish tie away to Aberdeen on 3 April. At the moment the kick-off for that one is pencilled in for 12pm, however that will no doubt be subject to change when media outlets chose which ties to broadcast.
The Hoops emerged with a 2-1 victory over their rivals yesterday, with a determined performance and goals from Clarissa Larisey, followed by a second half headed winner from captain for the day Chloe Craig. It was a game where Celtic’s back three stood firm under heavy pressure from a physical theRangers side and Fran Alonso’s brave decision to make two substitutions at half-time, in a game evenly poised, came up trumps with Chinese international Mengyu Shen’s second half introduction swaying the flow of the game in Celtic’s favour.
The Hoops now have their eyes firmly on a domestic cup double having defeated Glasgow City to lift the League Cup trophy back in December.
Celtic have already faced Aberdeen in SWPL1 action this year, winning 4-2 at the Balmoral stadium in September and following that up with a 3-1 win at the Penny Cars stadium in November. As such although Fran Alonso will be keen to keep his players feet on the ground, this is a game Celtic should be confident of winning and progressing to the semi-final stage.
In the League Cup Celtic beat league leaders theRangers in the quarter finals, the then League Cup holders in the semi-final and the 14 in a row Champions Glasgow City in the Final and this Scottish Cup run is looking like having to be won the hard way too. Still, these Ghirls love a challenge.
Niall J
