Celtic Women draw a blank with Spartans….
Report & Picture: Celtic FC
In the only league game which survived the weather, Celtic and Spartans battled out a goal-less draw. Celtic had the upper hand in the first half, and Spartans edged the second, but neither side was able to make the breakthrough.
There was a lively start to the match, with both sides showing a willingness to attack, although it was some time before either goalkeeper was called into serious action.
After 10 minutes the Edinburgh side mounted a promising attack, but the danger was cleared when Heather Richards made a fine saving tackle.
Celtic responded to this by creating a good chance for themselves. Nicole Pullar made room to shoot at goal, but the ball flew over the target.
Celtic were gaining the upper hand at this stage and Josephine Giard struck the ball past Eartha Cumings in the Spartans goal, but was frustrated to be ruled offside.
Spartans continued to move the ball forward at every opportunity, but Celtic were creating all the chances with Giard again making a fine run on goal, with her shot this time saved.
This was followed by good interchange play between Ruesha Littlejohn and Richards, but the keeper had little difficulty gathering the ball.
In 33 minutes Giard again broke free and looked to have scored but a fingertip save deflected the ball on to the post and safety.
Further attempts by Littlejohn and Pullar were still unable to open Celtic’s account while, at the other end, goalkeeper Megan Cunningham twice had to dash smartly from her line to smother Spartans counterattacks. Half time arrived without either side looking favourites to win the match.
Spartans began the second period looking much more confident and spritely than had earlier been the case and Cunningham was the busier keeper.
Chances for Celtic were becoming fewer, and Cumings was never really tested as the game looked more and more like a goal-less draw.
A fleeting chance fell for Celtic with 15 minutes remaining when a good shot from Kelly Clark was deflected off target.
Spartans continued to press the Celtic defence and on 85 minutes were awarded a free kick within shooting range when Littlejohn brought down Kaela McDonald-Nguah, earning herself a caution, but the free-kick was something of an anti-climax, flying high over the crossbar.
It was a frustrating afternoon for both teams, with Spartans probably the happier as they gained their first league point of the season.
Celtic: Cunningham, Keenan, Rafferty (Adams) McCulloch, Cavanagh (Connor), Clark, Littlejohn, Richards, Ross (Donaldson) Pullar, Giard. Subs not used: Gibson, McGonigle, Cairney, McGovern
