Glasgow City 4
Celtic 0
The blustery conditions made it difficult for both teams, but an early setback made this game an uphill struggle for Celtic. A mistimed tackle after only 4 minutes led to a penalty for Glasgow City – scored confidently by Ross.
City took their initiative from this, and attacked almost constantly throughout the first half, putting pressure on the Hoops defence, and goalkeeper Megan Cunningham. Celtic’s two young fullbacks, Jamie-Lee Napier and Rachel Connor were kept busy, but both showed bravery and no little skill in keeping their opponents at bay.
Celtic were playing with great determination, with Kirtsy Howat and Kerry Montgomery very much involved, but City’s close marking was making it difficult for them.
The home side had the ball in the net again after 9 minutes but the offside flag ruled out a goal.
Several attacking forays by Celtic were keeping City keeper Alexander alert but they were unable to put her under pressure. It was Celtic’s Cunningham, however who was the busier, twice making good saves from Murray.
After 24 minutes Glasgow City added to their lead after several quick passes made room for Murray who finally beat Cunningham.
Only minutes later, there was a glimmer of hope for Celtic when Courtney Whyte sent in a fine volley, but it was well saved by Alexander.
City were unable to increase their lead in what was becoming a hard-fought tussle, with yellow cards for both teams. The first half finished with a flashing shot by Grant, again well saved by Cunningham.
Hopes of a comeback by the Hoops were dashed soon after the break when once more a series of quick passes in and around the penalty area allowed Grant to strike from close in.
With 49 minutes gone and City leading 3-0, it may have been understandable if Celtic had decided to limit the damage, Much to their credit, though, they played out the remainder of the game with a never-say-die attitude and attacked when possible.
They found City’s experience too much for them and conceded a fourth goal after 65 minutes when Crichton struck a fierce drive into goal.
Megan Cunningham was excellent for the Hoops, and kept the score down, while Kirsty Howat put in a power of work until substituted towards the end.
Celtic: Cunningham, Napier, Whyte, McCulloch, Connor, Clark, Richards (Knox), Montgomery, Fulton (Fitzsimmons), Ewens, Howat (Middleton). Not used: Gibson
Report & Picture: Celtic FC
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