After the high of defeating Rangers the previous week, Celtic went into the game against Stirling University full of confidence and looking to gain a further three points. However, it proved to be a frustrating afternoon for the Hoops as they could only draw 1-1.
Both goals came n the first five minutes. Kay Morris scored for the visitors after three minutes, capitalising on a defensive mistake before firing home from 30 yards out, with goalkeeper Megan Cunningham unable to prevent the goal.
Two minutes later, however, Celtic were level. After a free kick was played in by Heather Richards, the ball deflected off a Stirling player and into the net.
The home side then began to step up the play, and after Colette Cavanagh cut inside on to her left foot, she struck the crossbar from 30 yards with a looping effort. Chances in the game were rare but any real opportunities in the game did come Celtic’s way, and Nicole Pullar came close when she ran on to a poor back-pass, but she could only shoot straight at the goalkeeper.
Celtic began the second-half once again pushing forward and created a number of half-chances, though the majority of the time resulted in corners without any real opportunities.
Keeva Keenan had the best chance after she was released down the right-hand side by Ruesha Littlejohn, but her shot went high and wide after being in good position to hit the target.
With Celtic pushing high up the field there was always going to be the chance of a counter-attack, and Stirling came close following a defensive mistake but thankfully Stirling’s effort went over the bar.
The visitors continued to deal with Celtic’s attacking threat from corners, free-kicks and any long throw-ins well and defended the whole of the second half with real aggression and determination, and Celtic were unable to add to the scoreline, much to the frustration of the Hoops players.
Celtic are back in action this Sunday, February 25, in the SWPL Cup against St Johnstone at the K-Park Training Academy (KO: 2pm).
Celtic: Cunningham, Keevans, Rafferty, McCulloch, Connor (Donaldson), Clark, Adams (Fulton), Littlejohn, Cavanagh (Crosbie), Richards, Pullar.
Subs not used: Gibson, Ewens.
Report & Picture: Celtic FC
