“Typical Icelandic weather” no worries for Celtic’s Maria Olaffsdottir-Gros

Maria Olaffsdottir-Gros on the wet and windy weather and a SWPL title race unfolding…

Maria Olaffsdotir-Gros was named as the Player of the Match yesterday as Celtic defeated both Hamilton Accies and the challenge thrown up by Storm Corrie to emerge with three points in their first home SWPL1 encounter since the winter break.

It was a professional performance from Fran Alonso’s side, who despite second half conditions in particular still suck well to their gameplan and exhibited a great deal of patience even when things weren’t quite going to plan to emerge with a richly deserved 3-0 win.

It’s perhaps no surprise that Maria emerged as the player of the match and the player who coped best with the blustery conditions, as the Icelandic star admitted post-match to Celtic TV, she felt quite at home in a wintery storm, as well as finding her new role as a wing back something she’s getting to grips with as well as the weather.

IMAGO / Pro Sports Images. María Ólafsdóttir Gros ( 19) of Celtic Women FC hold the SWPL Cup in celebration following her sides 1-0 victory during the Scottish Womens Premier League Cup Final match between Glasgow City FC & Celtic FC at Firhill on 5 December 2021. Photo Colin Poultney PSI

“Yes I’m really happy (with the win) I think we started the game really well but, kind of lost our rhythm, but we started the second half really good.”

“I really like it (playing as a wing-back) I’m not a wing back, I’m a winger but, I have to work on some things but I like it.”

And when asked if she like the weather conditions Maria broke into a grin – “Yes definitely this is typical Icelandic weather”

With Glasgow City defeating Hearts 2-0, the 14-in-a-row champions go top of the league, as previous league leaders theRangers game with Aberdeen was called off duty to the inclement weather in the North-East.

Celtic now find themselves five points off the top of the table and four points behind theRangers. As such the win against Accies was vital yesterday, as Celtic go to Spartans next weekend just prior to the top two going head-to-head as theRangers entertain Glasgow City, then following midweek it’s Celtic’s turn to travel to Glasgow City.

After those fixtures the top of the SWPL1 table could look altogether different, and with Celtic in top form and with good recent records against both sides above them in the table, Celtic’s win yesterday puts them right back in the mix for Champions League places and of course the possibility of lifting the SWPL1 trophy at the end of the season.

Charlie Wellings opens the scoring against Hamilton. Photo:Colin Poultney PSI

There was one concern however for Celtic as star striker Chalie Wellings, who opened the scoring after just two minutes for Celtic to grab her 24th goal of the season, didn’t re-appear for the second half after extensive first half treatment on what appeared to be a rolled ankle. The extent of the injury remains an unknown, however, with a lack of alternative striking options available to Fran Alonso a quick return for Charlie Wellings will be vital if Celtic are to make a push as title contenders.

Niall J

Charlie Wellings celebrates giving Celtic the lead. Photo:Colin Poultney PSI

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As a Bellshill Bhoy I was taken to my first Celtic game in the summer of 1987. It was Billy McNeill’s return to Celtic Park as manager and Celtic lost 5-1 to Arsenal . I thought I was a jinx, I think my Grandfather might have thought the same. It was the finest gift anyone ever gave me when he walked me through Parkhead's gates.

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