Spartans 0 Celtic FC Women 3…SWPL1, Ainslie Park, Edinburgh – 8 February 2023…
Celtic manager Fran Alonso stated proudly: “Our build-up was outstanding and I’m very happy with the group”, after Celtic FC Women defeated Spartans in last night’s SWPL1 clash at Ainslie Park in Edinburgh.
🗣 "Our build-up was outstanding and I'm very happy with the group."
📺 Fran Alonso gave his thoughts after a resounding 3-0 win!
⚪️0-3🍀#SPACEL | #SWPL | #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/qvinMgmlZQ
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) February 8, 2023
The Celts had to once again contend with horrendous weather conditions as the Edinburgh venue was battered by high winds and driving rain, in the opening 45 minutes in particular, and that perhaps explains why it took a bit of time for Celtic to find their goalscoring feet, despite a fast start that saw both Menglu and Chance create opportunities to score and with Pam Tajonar also called into action to make an early save.
Further chances came by way of a driven effort from Claire O’Riordan and a blocked effort after an impressive run from Liv Fergusson, but at the break the match worryingly remained goalless, against Spartans, who are often a bogey team for Fran Alonso’s Celtic side, as highlighted in that League Cup shock defeat back in October where Jacynta received a controversial straight red card.
All that was about to change in the second half as Celtic were at last rewarded with goals for their efforts and it was inspired by the arrival of the Australian playmaker from the bench.
With Olivia Chance making way for Jacynta at the break it was the Australian international who made a near instant impact as the Hoops took a 48th minute lead. Some impressive footwork from Menglu saw the Chinese star set the ball on a plate for Jacynta who made no mistake with a first time finish to put the Hoops into a deserved lead.
And the Celts went further ahead halfway through the second half. This time Liv Fergusson, who had been unlucky not to score in the first half, was rewarded for her persistence, as following Shen’s effort being blocked, the English striker followed up and rifled the ball into the net to put the Celtic in a comfortable position on an uncomfortable night.
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And the Ghirls weren’t done just yet, as Celtic’s impressive pressing discipline was rewarded when Spartans turned the ball into their own net after incessant pressure from Celtic to leave Celtic three goals to the good and to complete the scoring and ensure Celtic claimed another three points on what is fast developing into a cut-throat title race at the top of SWPL1.
The result means Celtic remain in second place in the SWPL1 table, three points ahead of Glasgow City who matched Celtic’s result with a 3-0 away win at Hearts and four points ahead of theRangers who lie in third spot having played a game fewer than Fran Alonso’s side, and have a tricky home tie with Hibs this evening, which is live on BBC ALBA.
A fox popped by for a look tonight and I can tell you had it run into the box it would have been the only pictures going up. Instead here’s @CelticFCWomen winning 3-0 @spartansfcwomen in the @SWPL pic.twitter.com/6YwmwsSfXv
— Craig Doyle (@cdsportsmedia) February 8, 2023
Next up for Celtic in the SWPL is the challenge of a Glasgow Derby at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie, where a win would put daylight between Fran Alonso’s side and theRangers in third place – and allow Celtic to have their eyes fully on the prize of top spot above them currently held by Glasgow City. Here’s how the table looks this morning…
That Celtic v theRangers match is on 24 February and a big crowd behind Fran Alonso and his side would very much be welcomed by both players and staff, patricianly with our Glasgow rivals intending to bring a large travelling support through to Airdrie themselves.
Its last sixteen @ScottishCup action this Sunday as current holders @CelticFCWomen visit @BTFC07.
Its a half term give away with U16s and over 65s free and adults only £5.
Fantastic catering available on site from Margo, the Wee Green Van! pic.twitter.com/ZMadUvlM99
— Boroughmuir Thistle (@BTFC07) February 6, 2023
Firstly however, Celtic head to Boroughmuir Thistle on Sunday for a high noon showdown as the Hoops continue their defence of a Scottish Cup they won for the first time ever in dramatic and glorious fashion at Tynecastle in May last year. Boroughmuir Thistle v Celtic will be played at Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh (kick-off 12 noon).
For now however, Celtic and their head coach Fran Alonso can be very proud of their performance under tough playing conditions in Edinburgh last night, a result that sets things up just nicely for that massive Glasgow Derby in two weeks’ time which is then followed at the start of March with another home game again current leaders Glasgow City. Win these games and Celtic will top the league and have huge momentum for the title run-in and potentially a first ever SWPL1 title for Celtic FC Women.
Niall J
