Celtic FC Women keep themselves firmly in the title race with a five-star victory against Partick Thistle at Petershill Park. And with Glasgow City losing 4-1 to theRangers Women, the SWPL1 title race looks to have become a two horse race as the current Champions drop off the pace and not trail Celtic FC Women by six points and theRangers by seven.
Elena Sadiku’s side were well aware of the score in the other game and came flying out the traps at Petershill. Amy Gallacher thought she had opened the scoring in the opening minutes but somehow the match officials didn’t think all of the ball had crossed the line.
The Celtic opener was only delayed by a few minutes as Caitlin Hayes found the early breakthrough when a perfect delivery from Chloe Craig was directed into the back of the net by out-stretched leg of the Irish international defender. Although it wasn’t her trademark header, it was a clever goal from the Barrowfields training ground.
Tash Flint was fighting hard to get her name on there as well but Thistle were doing well to keep her at bay. It didn’t last too long though as the Goal Machine doubled Celtic’s advantage after smashing it home at the second attempt.
Murphy Agnew found the third goal of the afternoon as she slotted a pinpoint shot into the bottom corner of the net. And to end off the half, a through ball was latched onto by Flint, who rounded the goalkeeper and tapped it into an empty net.
Celtic were sensational in that first half with Thistle glad to get into the dressing room having only conceding four.
Tash Flint made way at half-time for Kit Loferski, who hit the ground running as she immediately got herself involved in the attacking play. She had found the back of the net but her goal was ruled out for an alleged foul on the Thistle defender. It was a harsh call but one we would have been shouting for at the other end.
Grabbing her second of the afternoon and the Celts’ fifth, the ball dropped to Agnew who sent it flying past Megan Cunningham.
The American almost scored again after being set up by Loferski, but her shot went just wide of the post. She was having her best match yet in a Celtic jersey as Elena Sadiku’s squad seems to be getting stronger as this season progresses – a bit like the men’s team too when you think about it.
In the 73rd minute, Lisa Robertson made her return to action, replacing Natalie Ross. It’s fantastic to see her out on the pitch again and hopefully, there will be more to come from the new mum – lovely to see baby Robertson in the Hoops with his mum at the end of the game.
Wholesome content on another positive Sunday 4️⃣💚#CelticFC🍀#COYGIG pic.twitter.com/TnxgGLBtLw
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) April 14, 2024
No more goals to speak of but a brilliant performance to brush Thistle aside. This keeps us one point behind theRangers, with everything to play for considering there is still a Glasgow derby to be played this season.
Reflecting on the dominant victory, Elena Sadiku said: “We played amazing football, we created lots of chances, we scored a lot of goals, and we kept their goals at zero. I’m happy and proud of the girls.
“We said before the game that we should show what we’re here to do. We know already that if we perform good, then the goals will come in. I think that their goalkeeper had a great game, we should’ve scored more goals. Kit had two, maybe three, great chances but the crossbar was in their favour today. Other than that though, great performance.
“This is why we train. We love playing games and everything that we do in training is always leading towards the game. It’s nice that we have two games coming up in the week and it’s just about making sure the players are fresh and playing well.
“[Lisa Robertson’s] game has been amazing in training. I’m a bit shocked how well she’s been doing after delivering a baby! Her mindset is also amazing. She deserved to play today, it’s not just me being nice and giving her the opportunity because she deserves it. It feels like we have a new player and I’m really pleased to have that.
“We’ve been talking about it [the game on Wednesday versus Hibs at Airdrie]. We keep on getting good performances and good results, so we just have to look ahead now. The girls can be happy with the performance, it’s time for recovery and when we train on Tuesday, it’s just about the next game.”
Double-goalscorer Murphy Agnew also spoke on the game, saying: “Good three points, good to score a lot of goals, we always want to keep our goal difference up. Fantastic by the team. I always want to contribute in any way I can, whether that’s assisting or scoring goals.
“We always want to give our best and this game was especially important for all of us since it was Lisa’s first game back on the field in about a year. We really wanted to get the win for her, and we did that. She’s worked so hard, done so many good things, it’s so impressive and she’s a role model and inspiration for everyone on the team.
“If we win the rest of our games, we’ll win the league, so that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Well, Murphy said it herself. All we need to do is win the remainder of our games and we will secure our first ever SWPL title. That would be huge, and I have every belief that this group of players can do it!
Celtic return to action on Wednesday as we take on Hibs at Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie. That game kicks off at 19:45 so make sure that if you can make it, you’re there to give the Ghirls a cheer!
Then on Sunday it’s the big one for the Ghirls when they get to play once again at Celtic Park. Hearts are the opposition and hopefully they’ll come to Celtic Park having taken something from theRangers Women in midweek. The Celtic FC Women v Hearts match at Celtic Park kicks off at 4.10pm on Sunday 21 April and with the backing of a large Celtic crowd the Ghirls will be determined to put on another show and collect another three points as we close in on a first ever title.
Tickets can be purchased from the official Celtic website HERE.
Here are the five Celtic goals from today…
1-0 to Celtic FC Women – Caitlin Hayes gives Celtic the lead!
Tha Caitlin Hayes air Celtic a chuir air thoiseach!⚽️
Caitlin Hayes gives Celtic the lead! pic.twitter.com/zbbZa0d5kd
— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) April 14, 2024
2-0 to Celtic FC Women – The Goal Machine doubles Celtic’s lead
An dèidh mearachd aig a’ chùl tha Celtic air an dàrna thadhal fhaighinn!
Flint adds another for Celtic! pic.twitter.com/6eo8h11NvM
— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) April 14, 2024
3-0 to Celtic FC Women – Murphy Agnew makes it three
Tadhal eile do Celtic, Murphy Agnew an turas seo!⚽️
Celtic grab another! pic.twitter.com/3e1HskhNls
— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) April 14, 2024
4-0 to Celtic FC Women – A second of the afternoon for the Goal Machine
An dèidh mearachd aig a’ chùl tha Celtic air an dàrna thadhal fhaighinn!
Flint adds another for Celtic! pic.twitter.com/6eo8h11NvM
— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) April 14, 2024
5-0 to Celtic FC Women – Murphy Agnew gets her second with a cute finish
Murphy Agnew aig a’ phosta chùil! 0-5 a th’ann a-nist!
A second for Agnew! pic.twitter.com/zgI1y0EElm
— BBC ALBA (@bbcalba) April 14, 2024
Jessica Elliott
